EPILOGUE: TILL ALL ARE ONE
"Ever since that spider bit me, my life has never been the same; this whole incident is just more of the same insanity that appears to have become my daily routine. Sure, a few good things have happened as a result of me getting bitten, but the bad things seem to outnumber the good, at times...so much so that I've considered tossing out the costume, once or twice. But, if there's one thing that I've learned from hanging with Prime, 'Bee and the rest of the Autobots, it's that you can't quit when things are going bad. They never gave up...and neither will I." – Peter "Spider-Man" Parker.
Deep Space, Earth date November 17, 2007
To say that the atmosphere aboard Astrotrain's cargo-hold was a somber one would have been an understatement.
Battered and chipped, the relatively small contingent of Decepticons were all silent, brooding over their latest defeat at the hands of the Autobots, while Soundwave and his two remaining minis kept watch over Megatron, who was currently linked to a core-support unit, keeping his laser-core from draining out, until they could reach an outpost for proper repairs.
Megatron. Their 'Lord.' It had been his idea to return to Earth, upon hearing the AllSpark's summons...the AllSpark that was lost to them...again. His glitched obsession had nearly gotten them all scrapped...
The past three Earth-days of travel had not dulled their bitterness. This was the worst defeat since the first time they had lost Earth, except this was even worse; they had lost several of their comrades, and the AllSpark itself had been there, in their grasp...and they'd lost it, because of a bunch of Pit-damned squishies. Once word of this defeat got around, Decepticon morale, already taxed by the Autobots pursuing every incursion they made, would implode.
All because of one mech's obsession; he'd been willing to sacrifice all of them...
Smiling darkly, Starscream knew that the time was now; he looked to his fellow Decepticons, all feeling the same bitterness that he was, and tilted his head towards their crippled leader.
No more of a signal was needed; his fellow Decepticons all understood, standing up, and following him towards Megatron.
As Soundwave tended to his support-module, Megatron scowled as he saw Starscream and the others looming over him. "What is the meaning of this?!" he angrily wheezed.
Starscream smirked. "The others and I have a few...concerns regarding your leadership, Megatron."
Megatron scowled, and looked to the other Decepticons. "Take this traitor away!" he ordered.
No-one moved.
Megatron's expression twisted in rage. "I gave you an order!!" he roared.
"You would have scrapped us all to get the AllSpark." Scrapper snarled. "We were all expendable."
"The AllSpark meant victory, fool! Any mech can see that!"
"Oh, there's quite a lot we can see, 'my Lord.'" Starscream mocked. "We can all see how unfit you are for command..."
Instantly, Soundwave stood up, whirling on them and arming his sonic-pulse cannon, flanked by his minis. "Speak that way again, Starscream, and I'll have you spark in my hand!" he shouted. "Our Lord gave you an order, now OBEY it...and if you threaten our Lord ever again..!"
"Why, Commander, I wouldn't dream of harming Lord Megatron..." Starscream said, bowing and turning away. Satisfied, Soundwave turned back towards Megatron...
...and as he turned away, Starscream flicked out his long, stiletto-type wrist-blade, before turning back and stabbing it right into Soundwave's back, dead-center, piercing his laser-core. "...without scrapping you first, that is!!" he snarled. Soundwave never even had time to scream, as his laser-core overloaded, utterly destroying his spark; the Decepticon Commander fell to the floor, along with Rumble and Ravage, both offline, as well, like the piece of scrap he was.
Megatron snarled. "Astrotrain, initiate emergency decompression! Vent these traitors into space!!"
There was no response.
"OBEY ME!!!" Megatron roared.
Starscream laughed. "It seems that I am not the only one who sees you as an inferior leader, Megatron!" he sneered. He leaned in close to his former leader, looking him right in his optics. "Your previous remark wounded me. Treacherous, yes...but incompetent? I sent Barricade and Blackout in to be scrapped...because now that Soundwave is gone...you have no Decepticons loyal to you...not anymore."
Megatron snarled. "You Pit-accursed TRAITOR!!!"
"You betrayed us, 'my Lord'." Starscream sneered. "You should have left the treachery to me...because, as you can see, I'm much better at it." Laughing, he added, "Astrotrain, Megatron asked you to open your cargo-hold; let us oblige 'our Lord' one last time, shall we?"
Slowly, the Decepticon troop-transport vented his atmosphere, before his cargo-hatch slid opened. "Dump those useless outmodes." Starscream said to the others, before turning back to Megatron. "Oh, I've been waiting for this for a long time..."
As the other Decepticons heaved the shells of Soundwave and his minis out into space, Starscream picked up the crippled Megatron, and walked to the edge of the hatch. "So passes 'the Great Slag-Maker'!!" he crowed, before tossing Megatron into space.
"YOU'LL REGRET THIS, STARSCREAM!!!!!!!" Megatron screamed into space...as Astrotrain flew on, leaving him far behind.
XXXXXXXX
Triskelion, New York City
Sitting at his desk in his office, Nick Fury had just finished filling out the last of the hefty bit of paperwork he'd had to fill out over the past three days. 'I wonder if Prime ever has to fill out paperwork.' he thought to himself, chuckling.
He'd half-expected the Autobots to pack up and ship out after the Decepticons had cut and run, but Optimus and his comrades had stayed put, helping to rebuild any and all damage that their battles had inflicted; still, considering the Autobot Supreme Commander's stance on working with the indigenous peoples of the worlds they visited, he supposed he shouldn't have been surprised. With the Autobots' assistance, repairs that would have taken weeks were completed in days, and since the fighting had ended, there had been no new anti-Transformer riots...
...despite that smarmy prick Robert Kelly's non-stop ranting.
Suddenly, a knock at his door shook Fury out of his introspection. "Enter."
The door promptly slid open, as Captain America and Wasp walked in. "You wanted to see us, sir?" Cap inquired.
"Yes, I did." Fury answered, standing up. "I've recently been contacted by the President with regards to our two newest 'additions' to the team." He paused. "I've been authorized to use my own discretion in determining whether or not to make the roster-changes permanent."
Wasp flinched. "And?"
"With regards to Banner, I've decided to keep him under the highest level of observation, to ensure whether or not his spinal implant will be effective in controlling the Hulk." Fury said. "However, I've also reinstated him for work on some of our current projects; if and when we determine that the implant is effective, we'll offer him a spot on our active roster."
Cap was silent for a moment...before he nodded. "I think that, at heart, Bruce Banner is a good man, General; after putting his own life at risk – in the event that his implant should fail – to assist us, I think he deserves a second chance. His mind is certainly an invaluable resource, as is the Hulk's power, if he can control it."
"I agree; Bruce does deserve a second chance." Wasp added...before she paused. "And your decision regarding Doctor Pym?"
Fury sighed. "I still haven't decided whether or not to offer the same deal to Giant Man, given your issues with him, Dr. Van Dyne." he answered. "We'd have him under the strictest observation, and he would not be allowed to leave the Triskelion, same as Banner, and he'd need exemplary behavior before we'd even consider full reinstatement...but before I do, I'd like to hear your recommendations."
Cap paused. "I think, sir, that this decision isn't ours to make." he said, before looking to Wasp. "This should be your call, Janet; this affects you the most, so we should leave it up to you."
Fury nodded. "All right, then." he said. "Your recommendation, Doctor?"
Wasp looked stricken. "I...I need some time to think about this."
Fury nodded. "Take as long as you need." he said. "In the meantime, I'm due to hear back from SecDef Keller, who's been briefing the President on what's happened, these past few days."
Wasp managed a smile. "That should be quite the briefing."
"It certainly will be." Fury agreed. "I believe that Banachek has recommended the dissolution of Sector Seven; since Alpha Trion has woken up, they don't really have anything to do. Thanks to Wheeljack's assistance, Reed and the rest of the Four have fully cured the virus that Frenzy hit us with…which will certainly b of help, since Doom's officially gone dark."
"Not surprising." Wasp said. "After selling out the entire human race, he'd be stupid to show his face, ever again."
Fury smiled wryly. "Doom's a smart one, but he's not perfect; Megatron actually fooled him." he said. "We'll track him down, sooner or later."
Cap nodded, chuckling. "I hear that Congress is issuing a statement to the American public about the fighting, today, sir."
Fury smiled. "So did I." he said. "I'd heard that Optimus Prime wanted to make a statement of his own...so I passed that little tidbit along."
Cap grinned. "I'm sure it'll be quite the event, sir." he agreed. Then, at a nod from Fury, Cap and Wasp left the office.
XXXXXXXX
Washington, D.C.
On the very outskirts of the capital city of the United States, Optimus, Elita, Ironhide, Ratchet, Bumblebee, and Alpha Trion stood. All the other Autobots were currently aboard the Aeon; now that the repairs of the cities damaged in the fighting were repaired, there was no more reason for them to be here...but Optimus felt he had to do this.
Ironhide grumbled. "You sure you wanna do this, Prahm?" he muttered. "What with how these guys in the Senate static-mouthin' us, we ain't exactly gonna be welcome."
Ratchet frowned. "I concur, Optimus." he said. "This 'Senator Kelly' has been leading that governing body like drones; I find it repulsive, how such behavior enabled him to get elected."
Optimus smiled gently. "Were we so different, before the war?" he asked. "Ultimately, the Senator wishes to preserve peace, and although we do not agree with his methods, the goal itself is not unworthy." His gaze turned regretful. "Humanity is a young race still, my friends; they have yet much to learn...but we have all seen goodness in them. They do not need us."
Alpha Trion smiled. "Well said, Orion." he agreed. "I see that I left the Matrix of Leadership with the right spark."
Optimus turned to their longtime mentor, his expression sad. "We cannot convince you to stay?"
Alpha chuckled. "My dear friends, nothing would make me happier than to stay with you...but I must ensure that the AllSpark is safe."
Elita smiled, before giving Alpha a quick hug. "We'll miss you."
Alpha smiled back. "And I all of you." he replied. "Just remember that, no matter where Primus leads me, I will carry all of you with me, for all of my voruns."
Ironhide chuckled. "'Till we meet again, old tahmer." he joked.
Alpha smiled warmly. "I have no doubt that we will meet again, when the people of Cybertron become worthy of the AllSpark, again." he said. "So, I will eagerly await that day, when all are one."
Optimus smiled. "'Till all are one, then."
Smiling, Alpha closed his eyes...before he began to transform, shifting into a sleek, three-pronged space-fighter. His change complete, Alpha soared into the sky, flying off into space.
As Alpha left, Bumblebee's expression turned sad. "I'm gonna miss this place."
Optimus nodded sadly. "We all will, Bumblebee." he agreed. No Autobot online could ever deny that, no matter what planet they visited, Earth and its people would forever be their greatest allies and friends.
Shaking himself out of his silent reverie, Optimus' optics narrowed in determination. "Autobots...roll out." At that order, all five of them assumed vehicle-mode, and drove towards the capital city, to bid farewell to Earth.
XXXXXXXX
Midtown High, Queens
As the lunch bell rang, Peter gathered his things and headed to the cafeteria, to eat lunch with MJ and Kitty, as they always did.
Peter's pace was slow as he walked; it had been three days since the fighting had ended – three days since he'd heard from 'Bee – and he still felt oddly disconnected from being in school. He couldn't explain it; it was as if all the troubles of high school – bullying, grades, popularity – after what he and the others had gone through...
...it just didn't matter, anymore.
Walking into the indoor cafeteria – since it was a bit cold, the student body was eating inside – Peter headed to his usual table, where MJ and Kitty were waiting for him. "Hey, Tiger." MJ greeted.
"Hey." Peter replied, sitting down. "Boy, it sure feels like a long time since we did this, huh?"
Kitty chuckled. "Yeah."
MJ turned to Kitty. "So, how are things with the others at the Institute?"
"Good." Kitty answered. "I still plan to attend school, here, but on the weekends, I plan to visit and train with the X-Men. As for whether or not I'll rejoin the team...I'm still thinking about it."
Peter smiled. "That's great, Kitty."
Kitty's expression turned sad. "Any word from 'Bee?"
Peter shook his head. "Bupkiss." he replied. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised; now that everything's fixed, Prime and the Autobots will be heading back into space, to take the fight to the 'Cons."
Just then, one of the other students switched on the TV, showing a news report on the statement that Congress was making about the fighting. "Hey, look!" someone shouted.
Looking up, Peter, MJ, and Kitty all looked at the TV...and got the surprise of their lives.
XXXXXXXX
Congress Building, Washington, D.C., a few minutes earlier
As a crowd gathered near the podium in front of the U.S. Congress Building, complete with news crews, Senator Robert Kelly smiled to himself as he stepped onto the podium, with the rest of the Senate behind him. Despite all the chaos that those machines had caused with their visit, he now had a chance to put things in order.
"My fellow Americans," he began, his voice stirring the crowd to silence, "these past few days have been difficult for us all; our very way of life has been attacked by an enemy determined to exterminate us, yet we have come through! However, we must not allow this victory to placate us; we must take measures to ensure that this manner of threat never comes again! The failure of the Sentinels against the Transformers only shows the necessity of preparing against such an attack; the Transformers may be gone, but another threat still hangs over our heads..!"
"We aren't gone yet, Senator."
That calm, commanding voice startled Robert out of his rhetoric, as five vehicles – a 1975 Camaro, a neon-yellow ambulance, a black GMC Topkick, a sleek violet hover-car, and a red-and-blue, flame-painted, 18-wheeler truck – rolled to a stop on the road adjacent to the Congress Building...seconds before all five vehicles transformed.
Robert's eyes widened in horror at the sight of the massive robots...before he gulped. "N-Now...now, s-see here..." he stammered, "...this is a public government statement, and you can't just..!"
"We only ask a few minutes of your time." Optimus Prime said calmly. "After that, we will leave; we ask no more than that."
His jaw clenching, Robert was ready to tell this alien – this machine – that there was no way he was going to address the American public...but he recalled that quite a few people still viewed the Autobots as heroes, for the moment, at least. "Very well."
Optimus simply turned to Bumblebee, who nodded. "Blaster's locking onto the news-signal, now, Prime; you're going global."
'Global?!' Robert thought. 'What's this metal maniac going to..?!'
"People of Earth," Optimus said, the camera catching every word and sending it across the globe, "I am Optimus Prime, Supreme Commander of the Autobots, and Commander-in-Chief of the Autobot Alliance. Several days ago, Earth, once again, came under attack by our enemies, the Decepticons..."
Robert smirked; this was his chance, to make it clear whose fault it was that the Decepticons were allowed to return..!
"...and for that, I am truly sorry." Optimus continued. "It had been our hope – the hope of every Autobot – that our war would never spill back onto your beautiful world...yet we could not prevent it." His tone turned mournful. "Words cannot express my sorrow for what you all have suffered."
"Yet we have suffered, as well." Optimus continued. "In the last day of the attack, one of our comrades – Jazz – fell in battle." He paused, his optics growing sad. "Jazz was more than a brave soldier; he was our friend; our brother. His loss touched us all." He looked out over the crowd. "To those of you who have lost friends and family, either in this conflict or any other...I need not explain this further. The sacrifices that the heroes of Earth made in this conflict will never be forgotten; not by us, and, Primus willing, not by any of you."
Robert gulped, and quickly hopped in. "Yes, well, Commander Prime, we all are certainly...grateful for your assistance...but, as you yourself said, this conflict is over. There isn't really any reason for you and your...comrades to be here, considering the...implications that your presence has for some people..."
"I agree, Senator." Optimus said. "It is not our way to remain upon a planet where we are not welcome after the Decepticon threat has passed. In the case of such a planet, we only remain as long as is absolutely necessary."
"That's certainly good of you." Robert said, hoping that the machine would get the message. "Well, we certainly don't want to keep you, Commander..."
"Supreme Commander." Optimus corrected, gently but firmly. "We have every intention of leaving, Senator, but the people of Earth deserve to know why this happened; they deserve the truth."
Inwardly, Robert scowled; this blasted machine was ruining everything..!
"The Decepticons made this incursion to Earth in order to locate the AllSpark, the very thing that imparted life to our race, which was lost to us aeons ago." Optimus continued. "Had Megatron secured it, its power would have utterly turned the tide of the war in his favor."
Robert smirked. "And if you had obtained it?" he asked, letting the implication hang in the air.
"We would have returned it to Cybertron." Optimus answered. "The AllSpark is so much more than a source of energy; it is the living proof of the Covenant that Primus Himself struck with our people – it is the source of hope for every Transformer online, today." He sighed. "It had been my hope that returning the AllSpark to Cybertron would renew our war-torn world...but, as is always the case, it was Primus' will that was done, not ours; upon securing it, we released the AllSpark into deep space, far out of reach of any Transformer."
"So," Robert said, "you're saying that this little expedition was for nothing."
Optimus' optics narrowed sternly. "No, Senator, it was not." he corrected. "Before the AllSpark left, it revealed the truth to us." His tone turned reverent. "In the AllSpark's light...we saw the face of Primus...and in His gaze, we found the truth."
Optimus looked out upon the crowd. "The motto of the Autobot Alliance is 'Until All Are One'." he said. "That motto is a call for peace; for the end of this horrible war; for a day where Autobot and Decepticon can lay down their arms in peaceful coexistence...yet, until we gazed upon our Creator, we never truly understood the significance of that motto."
His expression turned earnest. "We learned that Primus has taken many names...some of which you already know." he said. "'God'...'Yahweh'...'Allah'...to name but a few." His voice grew softer. "In the eyes of Primus...all are one: human, mutant, organic, robotic...all are one."
The crowd all murmured softly at that revelation.
"Even so," Optimus continued, "the AllSpark was not the only reason we came. Had Megatron succeeded, his first action would have been to enslave this world and strip it bare, destroying all life in the process."
Optimus' optics narrowed in determination. "And that was something we could not allow; to allow the Decepticons to trample on the freedom of any sentient race is unthinkable for any Autobot." he said. "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings; freedom from extinction; freedom from oppression; freedom from fear, from ignorance...freedom to learn for yourselves that all are truly one...that is the ideal that all Autobots hold dear; the ideal that any Autobot worth half his spark would fight gear-and-bolt to protect. That is why we came here. That is why we proudly fought alongside the heroes of your world; alongside those who valued freedom as deeply as we did."
His voice turned soft. "That is why Jazz died."
"So, as we depart this planet, we only ask that you all remember." Optimus finished. "Remember why Jazz died; remember the sacrifices that your champions made for you; remember us...for we will always remember you." He paused. "That is all that we wish to say. Thank you." With that, Optimus and the Autobots turned to go...
"Hold on!!"
Startled, Robert turned to see none other than SecDef Keller hurry out of the Congress Building, smiling and holding a document. "I wouldn't be so hasty to ship out just yet, Commander Prime!"
Optimus blinked in confusion. "Secretary Keller?"
John smiled. "I would have notified you sooner, Optimus, but I had only just finished briefing the President on these past few days...as well as passing along my recommendation." With that, he held up the document for Optimus to see. "The President agreed to it."
Optimus quickly scanned the paper...and his optics widened. "This is official??" he exclaimed.
John grinned. "As official as the Declaration of Independence!" he declared. To the crowd, he added, "After briefing the President on the past few days, I recommended to him that maybe having the Autobots around might not be such a bad idea, in case the Decepticons – or any other 'larger-than-life' threat – ever decides to drop by! Furthermore, after everything that the Autobots did for us – their first visit, along with the loss of their comrade and the AllSpark – to just kick 'em out the door...that would just be bad manners."
Robert felt his throat tighten; he did not like the sound of this..!
"Therefore, the President has authorized me to offer you, Commander, and any of your fellow Autobots who are willing to accept, honorary citizenship within the United States!" John finished. "Now, we'll definitely have to work out the details, but, for now...you and your comrades may stay as long as you like!"
At that, all the Autobots smiled. "Secretary Keller...thank you." Optimus said.
Ironhide grinned. "After chasin' down 'Cons fer the past few giga-cycles, it'll be nahce ta have a place to sit an' recharge proper!"
Optimus nodded, still smiling. "We'll be sure to contact you to work out the details, Secretary Keller." he said. "For now...we are grateful to have found a new home." Turning to his comrades, Optimus finished, "Autobots, roll out!" With that, all five Autobots promptly assumed vehicle-mode, and drove off.
"Are you insane?!" Robert shouted at the SecDef. "Those machines were ready to leave...and you just gave them an engraved invitation to stay?!"
John just smiled. "You said so yourself, Bob; we need to be ready for any threat that comes our way." he answered. "Who better to help us do that than the Autobots, who have likely faced more extra-galactic threats than any of us, here?"
Robert saw red. "Those machines are the biggest threat to us since mutants, Keller!! And you just welcomed them onto our..!!"
"Mr. Senator, this order came from the President." John said, mirroring their earlier words with a smile. "Now, if you wish to contact him, feel free to do so...but now that he's out of the bunker, he has a lot of paperwork to catch up on, so it will be difficult. For now, this issue is closed." And with that, the SecDef strode back towards the Congress Building, as the news crews followed him, firing off one question after another...leaving Robert behind, wondering how on earth things could have gotten so out-of-hand...
XXXXXXXX
Midtown High
As he watched Optimus' speech – along with Senator Kelly's mini-meltdown at the end – Peter smiled. "Looks like we'll be having some new neighbors." MJ said, smiling.
"The more, the merrier." Peter agreed.
Kitty chuckled. "Plus, watching Optimus make an ass of that jerk Kelly was a bonus!"
Peter laughed. "That it was!" Just then, the bell rang for class, and Peter, MJ, and Kitty all stood up, to leave...
"Uh...Kitty?"
Turning around, they all saw Liz standing there, looking apprehensive. "Look, I...I know I've been really mean to you, lately..." she began.
Kitty's eyes narrowed. "No kidding."
"It...it's just that..." Liz said, "...my uncle...he was a mutant, and...and his powers went nuts, and it killed both him and my aunt, okay?" She paused. "That's why I've been bugging out about mutants, I guess..."
Kitty froze. "I'm...I'm sorry to hear that..."
"I figured that all mutants were bad news...but...but when that...thing attacked our school...you saved me." Liz said. "I...I know we're probably not going to be best friends or anything, but...but I was wrong, okay?" She lowered her gaze. "And I'm sorry."
Kitty was silent for a moment...and then smiled. "Why don't we both lay off the hate from now on, and we'll call it even?"
"Okay." Liz agreed, lightly smiling. "Later." With that, she headed off.
Peter just smiled. "Sounds like Prime's speech got to her."
Kitty nodded in agreement. "He does have that effect."
MJ giggled. "I wouldn't be surprised if Flash apologized to you, Tiger."
Peter groaned, as they headed to class. "One step at a time, MJ. One step at a time."
XXXXXXXX
Daily Bugle, New York
As he watched Optimus Prime's speech from his office, J. Jonah Jameson frowned to himself. 'The one time I don't send someone to cover one of that smarmy prick Kelly's speeches...'
Still, that wasn't his biggest concern, right now. Sighing, Jonah looked to the article he had drafted after covering the previous attack by the Decepticons on the Baxter Building; the scathing expose painting that costumed lunatic Spider-Man and the Autobots as destructive maniacs...
After hearing the Autobot Supreme Commander's speech, detailing what the Autobots and Earth's 'super-heroes' had sacrificed to drive the Decepticons back...
...he just couldn't do it. It felt like a betrayal of the truth, of everything that he at least tried to stand for. Maybe in the past, he'd let his issues with guys in masks color his articles on Spider-Man when the costumed vigilante's actions treaded in the grey area...but to print this article...which boldly flew in the face of everything he now knew to be true...
Jonah sighed again, before smiling to himself. 'I'm getting soft in my old age.' he mentally half-grumbled...as he started to re-write his article...beginning with a new title...
'Heroes of Flesh and Steel.' Jonah typed, smiling to himself. 'Hmm...got a nice ring to it...'
XXXXXXXX
Triskelion
Standing outside the entrance to the Triskelion's infirmary, Janet took a deep breath. 'I can do this.' she thought...before she walked in...heading to the medical cot where her ex-husband lay in traction.
In spite of everything, Janet couldn't help but cringe as she saw the damage that Megatron had inflicted to Hank, even in giant-size. "General Fury is prepared to offer you temporary reinstatement to work on some of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s projects," she said, "but he's leaving the final decision up to me."
Weakly looking up at her, Hank replied, "And what have you decided?"
Wasp's eyes narrowed. "I'm not going to deny it, Hank; you were a help to us against the Decepticons. And yes, your mind is a valuable resource…but if – if – I agree to this, let's be perfectly clear: we can be colleagues, and – maybe – friends…but I am not willing to endure one more..!"
She stopped her tirade. "This was a mistake." she said, as she turned to go…
"I get that we're over, Janet."
Janet stopped, turning back to her ex. "I get it, Jan; I need help. I know that, now." Hank continued, his voice earnest. He chuckled softly. "The fact that Prime addressed you by your maiden-name would have been enough of a giveaway. You deserve better."
Janet half-smiled; this was more than she'd been expecting. "Well, I'm glad we're clear, then."
Hank nodded. "And I get why you like Steve." he added. "He's a good guy; hell, he's just about the closest any male is ever going to get to being decent." He chuckled. "Sure, he doesn't have my brains, but that 1944-style, apple-pie heart of his oughtta make up the difference."
His voice turned serious. "I get that he makes you feel safe, Jan…and that's good, it really is; you deserve it."
Janet chuckled. "I could do without some of his sayings, though; I swear, he's as cute as heck, but the second he opens his mouth, sometimes, he sounds like my grandfather!"
"Hey, he sure beats the bipolar-roller-coaster-ride my brain's stuck on!" Hank laughed.
Janet smiled wistfully. "The 'up' periods I didn't mind…but it was the 'downs' I hated."
"You and me both." Hank agreed. He sighed. "I'm not going to deny wanting to come back to work…but after everything that's happened between us, I'd understand if you didn't want me around…so do whatever you think is best."
Janet was silent for a moment. "I'll keep you posted." she answered. "See you around, Hank." With that, she turned, and headed out of the infirmary.
Janet's walk back to her quarters was slow, as she pondered what to do…and just as she reached her door, she came to a decision.
"Hey."
Janet had just been reaching for the door when she heard Steve's voice. Turning she smiled as she saw him, still in uniform, but with his cowl down, letting her fully see his short blonde hair, and the baby-blue eyes she had come to adore. "Hey."
Steve returned her smile. "Have you made your decision?"
Janet smiled wistfully, and nodded. "Everyone deserves a second chance."
Steve nodded. "We'll be watching him like a hawk."
"I know."
Steve placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I would have gone with you."
Janet's smile grew at the gesture; some time after they had started dating, Janet had realized that she had to firmly silence the cynical little feminist in her brain and put each of Steve's gestures through a WWII-decoder in order to get their true meaning. It would have helped immensely to have done so when she'd left Hank the first time…when Steve had tracked him down and creamed him for hurting her.
Steve was from a simpler time, a time where you stood up for your friends…and where you supported the people you loved. She was still kicking herself for belittling him after doing that…especially since, at the time – though she would have never admitted it, then – she was somewhat flattered that he'd come to her defense.
"I know." Janet replied, placing her hand over his. "I just needed to talk to him on my own."
Steve nodded, before he smiled. "Let's do something, tonight."
Janet sighed; that was Steve-talk for 'Let's go mingle with four-star generals and other people whose ages are approaching triple-digits.' Still, it was one of the little quirks in their relationship. "I'm sure that General Mitchell will dazzle us with more stories about his adventures in the 16th Tank Brigade."
"I'm sure he would…if we were going." Steve answered. "I was thinking we could catch a movie."
Janet blinked. "What??"
Steve chuckled, as he looped a loverly arm around her shoulders. "Jan, we've spent the past few days working with gigantic, high-tech alien robots against other giant, high-tech alien robots, with both sides wielding enough firepower to make the A-Bomb look like a firecracker. If that's not a sign, I don't know what is; I think it's time for this old soldier to join the 21st century."
Janet laughed, looping her arms around her boyfriend's neck. "Music to my ears!" she declared. "So, what movie did you want to see?"
Steve looked a bit embarrassed. "Actually, I was hoping you could help with that; I'm not exactly familiar with the movies currently in the theatres."
Janet smiled guiltily. There wasn't anything currently playing that Steve would like, and although she was sorely tempted to take her beau to a chick-flick, she knew she couldn't do that to him; he wasn't quite ready for that part of modern cinema, yet. "Why don't we stay in?" she suggested. "We can just rent a movie."
"Okay." Steve agreed. "Any suggestions?"
Janet thought for a minute…before she smiled. "How about 'Alien versus Predator'?" Noticing Steve's expression, she sighed. "No?"
"Well, Jan, after everything, I just…thought that you might have had enough aliens, for a while…"
Janet chuckled. "I guess I'm just in the mood for a good scream-flick."
Steve chuckled. "Well, I'm sure it'll be an improvement over the last film I saw: the U.S. Government's finest educational/precautionary film: 'VD and You.'"
Janet flinched. "Ew."
"Exactly." Steve said. "Still, I've never known why some people enjoy horror films so much."
Janet smiled. "Well, scaring yourself with a film can be cathartic," she said, "but for a lot of couples, there's another reason."
"And that would be..?"
Janet's smile turned sly, as she leaned up to whisper in Steve's ear. "It's been scientifically proven that nothing turns a woman on like being scared out of her wits."
Steve's eyes momentarily widened at that…before he chuckled, as he and Janet walked down the hallway. "Jan," he said, "something tells me that I'm going to like this new millennium…"
XXXXXXXX
Parker residence, QueensAfter school had let out, Peter had simply taken the bus back to his house, hurrying towards the driveway…to only find the family car, there.
Peter sighed; he'd been half-hoping that, since the Autobots were officially staying, Bumblebee would be dropping by…but he must have had more important things to do. Sticking his hands in his pockets glumly, Peter headed inside…
"Hey, Peter."
Peter froze as he heard that familiar voice as he stepped inside. "Spike??"
Looking into the kitchen, Peter found Mr. Witwicky there, along with his Aunt May, as well as a slender woman, around the same age as Spike, with long, blond hair, and hazel eyes, clad in a blue sweater and a simple navy skirt. "Peter, I'd like to introduce my wife, Carlie Witwicky." Spike said.
Carlie smiled. "It's nice to finally meet you, Peter."
"Uh…likewise." Peter replied.
May smiled. "Mr. Witwicky was just telling me about the…'car troubles' he had back when he was your age."
Peter chuckled. "Uh…yeah, he mentioned those to me, too."
"True, but that's nothing compared to your troubles, Spider-Man." Spike said casually.
Peter nearly choked. "W-What??"
"Oh, come on, Peter; three days ago, 'Bee calls me up and asks me for the old rig I had in my garage for your girlfriend, before said mech-suit ends up fighting against the Decepti-chumps? Plus all the absences you've racked up every time Spider-Man saves the day?" Spike chuckled. "I might not be 'cool,' but I'm not stupid."
"You don't have to worry, Peter." Carlie assured him. "We can keep a secret; we've both had practice."
Peter's heart-rate started to slow. "Oh. Well…good." he answered.
May smiled. "Mr. and Mrs. Witwicky had stopped by to deliver this letter," she said, handing a letter to Peter, "and what it said…Peter, it's wonderful news!"
Taking the letter, Peter quickly skimmed through it…and his eyes went wide. "Is this for real??"
Spike grinned. "Oh, yeah."
Peter couldn't believe it; whoever this 'Tim P. Primouse' was, he had fairly recently secured the copyright to the Spider-Man name and image…and was giving him ten percent of all profits gained by its use!
"In case you're wondering," Carlie said, "the rest of the profits from the use of your logo will be put towards charity. Also, your ten percent will be locked in a trust fund until you graduate…with a minimum A-average."
Scanning through the letter, Peter saw that this was true. "Wow!!" Peter exclaimed. "But…but who is this guy? Why would he..?
Spike and Carlie just smiled…and it hit Peter harder than one of Megs' anti-matter blasts, as he cycled 'Tim P. Primouse' through his brain, doing anagrams of it…"Oh, my God…"
"What?" May asked.
"Aunt May…" Peter murmured, "…'Tim P. Primouse' is an anagram of Optimus Prime…"
Spike nodded. "There's more."
Scanning further down the letter, Peter saw that 'Tim P. Primouse' had expressed regret that he'd lost his car in the fighting, and wished to replace it…but that meant...!
Suddenly, the sound of a motor echoed from the garage. His eyes wide, Peter hurried to the garage…and stopped dead in his tracks.
There, sitting in the garage, next to their family car…was a brand-new, immaculately shined, yellow 2008 Chevrolet Special Edition Camaro GTO…with a pair of black racing stripes down the middle.
"'Bee??" Peter exclaimed. "'Bee, is that you??"
The new Camaro chuckled. "I figured I could use a change, so I scanned one of these as I gave Spike and Carlie a lift to your place; we wanted to surprise you."
"Well, colour me surprised!" Peter laughed. "It's great to see you, 'Bee!"
Bumblebee laughed. "It's great to see you, too, little pal!"
"But…but how did Prime pull this off?" Peter exclaimed.
Bumblebee chuckled. "Well, the first time we were here, when we were helping to repair the damage from the war, Prime figured that one way to help was to raise repair-funds via the stock exchange, so he created 'Tim P. Primouse' to do it." he explained. "Turns out that predicting stock-changes isn't too different from quantum-probability functions; Prime made a scrapload – paid for the repairs with more than plenty left over, so he set it up in an account here, as well as setting it up to make hefty automatic yearly donations to any charity that needs it. When we came back, Prime got wind that that scrap-bag Fisk was trying to get his grubby mitts on your copyright, so Prime beat him to the draw."
Peter laughed. "I wish I could have seen his face!" he exclaimed. "So, what now? Are you guys staying long?"
"Prime's gonna get the word out that Earth is our newest allied outpost." Bumblebee said. "Most of us are eventually going to ship out, but not for a little while; what with losing the AllSpark, Megs getting slagged, plus their losses here, Decepticon morale took one huge hit, Pete – this could be the turning point of the entire war!"
"I sure hope so, 'Bee." Peter replied.
"Anyway, Prime also hopes to make you the Autobots' liaison to S.H.I.E.L.D., if you're interested." Bumblebee said. "While any of us are here, Prime wanted us to assist in any way we can, and we'll need representation to keep S.H.I.E.L.D. appraised of our activities, and vice-versa."
Peter smiled. "I'd be honoured."
"Great!" Bumblebee said. "Course, that means that someone's gonna have to watch your aft…"
Peter chuckled. "I'm sure that job will get filled."
Bumblebee chuckled. "So, you wanna go pick up MJ and cruise for a bit?"
Peter smiled…and then froze, as he heard a police siren in the distance. "That's gonna have to wait, 'Bee. Right now, they're playin' my song!"
Bumblebee revved his engine in agreement. "Up for a little backup?
Peter grinned. "In this business?" he said. "Always!" With that, Peter darted up to his room, to don his costume, as Bumblebee drove out of the garage, ready to back him up.
Finally, things were looking up.
XXXXXXXX
New York City outskirtsJust beyond New York City, upon a hill overlooking the bustling metropolis, a red-and-blue 18-wheeler truck rested next to a sleek, violet hover-car; in the city, a pair of vehicles like that might have raised a few eyebrows…but out here, far from human eyes, that mattered little.
Alone, Optimus Prime and Elita-One promptly assumed their robot-modes, standing up and gazing out upon the human city they had helped to save, the city where many of their new allies and friends dwelled. Smiling, Optimus placed his arm around Elita's shoulders, as they linked their processors, with Elita boosting Optimus' broadcast-strength, which, along with their uplink to the Aeon, would allow this message to reach all their comrades fighting the Decepticons. The link complete, Optimus began the transmission.
"The Decepticons have once again been vanquished, and the AllSpark has departed for parts unknown. It had been my hope that the AllSpark could renew our home…but instead, it has given us a new home. We now have a new, green world to call home, among the human race; we now live among them, standing with those who are different, watching and protecting them. They are truly kindred spirits, for, as with us, now more than ever before, there is more to them than meets the eye. I am Optimus Prime, and we send this message to all Autobots now fighting amongst the stars; we have a home, once more."
Holding Elita close, Optimus finished his transmission, before sending it out into space.
"We are here. We are waiting."
THE END
Author's Note: And that's the end! I hope you all enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it! Thank you all so much for your support! You all ROCK!
However, though this story is finished, I still have one little gift for all my fans, especially the fans of my "Last Son" series; it's just a little gift to show my appreciation for your patience! Be sure to keep an eye out for it, over the next few days!
Again, thank you all! I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and/or Happy Holidays! See you later!