Chapter 11
There aren't many things in the universe that can startle Optimus. Not just because of his position as a Prime, but also because of his stern and focused personality. Of course, things such as Unicron and death would jog his systems but other than that, it was impossible to shake him up.
This was one of those situations and if his stutter didn't raise any eyebrows, surely his multitude of looks did. Focus turned into determination which turned into surprise which turned into confusion and finally back to his original serious look, although this time he sported a small smile on his face.
In front of Optimus stood four Cybertronians, all with canons raised and positioned in a defensive stance. In the front was a large red Cybertronian who towered over the others by being at Optimus' height. His large shoulder-pad like shoulders gave him a bulky look, although his body frame was more-so Wheeljack's size.
Next to the red robot stood a white robot, the smallest of them but appearing to be the most agile. The light blue visor covering his optics distinguished him from the bunch while his smaller canons looked to pack a punch.
Behind them were the other two Cybertronians. One of them, a robot with features that resembled a jet, faced Optimus with his arm canons raised and a focused look. He was undoubtedly the jet flying above earlier, showing similarities with the white paint job, although up close he could see that he had a hint of red here and there.
The last robot looked to be the youngest, being around Bumblebee's size but still slightly older than the scout. Unlike the one who transformed into a jet, his color scheme was the exact opposite with his body being mostly red with white in specific places. On top of his shoulders were two of his four wheels, dusty and dirtied from the previous battle.
All four of these Cybertronians were highly skilled in combat and their earlier battle tactics confirmed that. Their abilities in the field are unmatched by many and if they were an enemy, Optimus would undoubtedly act differently. The thing that made him smile was the small logo plastered on their chest pieces.
"Optimus, that you?" The one wearing the visor asked, lowering his weapons. His group followed shortly, just as astound as the Prime was.
Ultra Magnus and Ratchet rounded the corner and their optics shot open when they saw the four Cybertronians before them.
"By the AllSpark…" was all the medic could say.
"I am also astounded Ratchet" Optimus stated before turning to the four robots. "Is it truly you?"
The one wearing the visor stepped forward and extended a hand, his visor sliding away revealing two sparkling blue optics.
"In the metal, it's good to see you again" he responded with a smile.
"It has been too long" the large one said happily, also shaking hands with the three Autobots.
As the large one shook Ratchet's hand, the medic's jaw dropped. Never has he ever been so confused.
"Wh-what? Ironhide? Jazz? Sideswipe? Air Raid?" he asked, still shaking Ironhide's hand.
"This how you treat all of your visitors?" The one known as Air Raid joked, shaking the medic's hand after Ironhide.
"This is incredible! I never thought we would see another Autobot after Ultra Magnus arrived."
Air Raid perked at the lieutenants' name, along with everyone else. All four of them turned to Ultra Magnus and straightened their backs, raising their right hand to their forehead.
"Good to see you sir" Ironhide said for the group even though technically he and Jazz were the same rank as Ultra Magnus.
"At ease Ironhide, no need to show authority. We are all friends here" Ultra Magnus said, giving his best smile.
"Wow, you don't know how nice it is to finally rejoin with you Optimus" Sideswipe said. "We've been traveling the universe for orbital cycles to try to reach you."
Jazz laughed. "Swipe's not wrong, it took forever to get here. Pretty sure Air Raid was going to lose it if he didn't spread his wings soon."
"Hey, when you learn to fly, then come to me and complain. Flying is like my sixth sense." The Aerialbot shot back.
Optimus nodded and smiled, knowing that these were indeed his old friends. The last time he saw them, it was when the Ark came under attack just after it launched from their dying home world. Like Ratchet, he too believed Ultra Magnus and Smokescreen would be the last Autobots to come to Earth but he wasn't complaining that the four of them had arrived.
"Regardless of the struggle of your arrival, I am glad to see you all once again" the Prime said. "Our fight with the Decepticons has been waged for far too long and perhaps with your help, we may be able to stop the conflict once and for all."
"We are here to fight by your side Optimus" Ironhide stated.
"Say Optimus, who else is here other than us? There's no way you three are the only ones here" Jazz asked.
Ratchet stepped forward to answer but Optimus placed a hand on his shoulder. "Perhaps it would be best if we returned back to base before we continue with explanations."
"Smart move, I scouted out a squadron of Vehicons about 10 clicks from here" Air Raid pointed out. "We'll be cornered in a second if we don't move."
"Then it is agreed. Ratchet, if you may request a groundbridge from Bumblebee."
"Bee's here? Aw yeah, we're getting the old gang back together." Jazz said.
A moment later, the green vortex appeared a couple feet away and Ratchet, Ultra Magnus, Ironhide, Jazz, and Sideswipe began walking towards it.
"Hold on, what are we going to do about the ship?" Air Raid pointed out.
"Oh scrap, I forgot" Jazz said, rubbing his head. "Yo Ironhide, you think we can just blow it up?"
"I advise against that suggestion. We are unknown to the habitants of this planet and creating an explosion will surely attract unwanted attention." Optimus mentioned.
"Optimus, the ship is far too big to fit through our groundbridge. Furthermore it would never be able to stay on top of the base without being spotted" Ratchet said. "Perhaps blowing it up is the right action to take."
The Prime thought for a moment, knowing that Agent Fowler would no doubt scold him for it later. Although, Ratchet did have a point and if the Decepticons were to gain possession of the Autobot system programmed into that ship, all of their secrets could be leaked.
"Very well. Jazz, it would be wise to make haste in disposing off your ship."
"You got it Optimus. Sideswipe, let's ravage through our junk for anything we might need to bring before Ironhide starts the fireworks." Jazz said to the red bot.
"You got it Jazz" he answered as the two walked off towards their ship.
"I should go along as well. Our Cybertronian technology could use an upgrade and perhaps their ship's systems may not have been completely damaged" Ratchet quipped.
The medic quickly ran and caught up with the other two Autobots before they disappeared into the ship.
As those three went through the belongings on the ship, the four Autobots looked at each.
"You've changed so much Optimus" Ironhide said, eyeing the leader.
"And you, old friend, have not changed a bit."
"So, how long have you been on this planet?" Air Raid questioned.
"Ultra Magnus arrived mere orbital cycles ago, however the majority of us have been stationed here for about four stellar cycles." The Prime answered.
"Four stellar cycles! I know this planet is nice and all but four stellar cycles!" the Aerialbot expressed.
"All explanations will be given in time. However, understand that although Earth may be primitive, it has much potential. I have personally experienced life through a new set of eyes and realized that this small planet will be a crucial role in our battle against the Decepticons."
Optimus looked up into the sky, as if he was looking at something that wasn't actually there. Air Raid raised an eyebrow at Ironhide who merely shrugged in response.
…
Back in the Omega One command center, both the Autobots and humans waited in anticipation. They had just received the transmission from Ratchet telling them to open a groundbridge and to prepare for visitors. Every single one of them were eager to see which Autobots would show up, although Arcee stood in the corner, looking away. For some reason, the thought of new members joining Team Prime reminded her of Jack, and that always brought her mood down.
"Eeeeee, I'm so excited" Miko squealed, bouncing up and down on her toes.
"Same here Miko. Who knows which Autobots could have shown up" Bulkhead said.
"How great would it be if a wrecker decided to pop there head out?" Wheeljack asked.
"That would be totally awesome! With three wreckers, the 'cons should be running away if they know what's good for them." Miko answered and the two wreckers chuckled.
Raf turned to his partner who was leaning against the railing. "Who do you think it might be Bee?"
The scout shrugged, beeping his opinion and saying that he didn't mind who would show up, as long as they're an Autobot and willing to fight for the cause.
"Nicely said Bee" Raf complimented.
"I don't know about you guys but I'm hoping a chick comes through that groundbridge" Smokescreen said out of the blue and everyone turned to give him a look. "What? Of come on, I'm not the only one hoping for a girl."
He had a point and the other three Autobots looked away sheepishly while Miko and Raf laughed. Like human teenagers, Cybertronians aren't any different.
"Shh guys, they're coming through" Raf said excitedly after seeing the energon signatures in the groundbridge controls.
All of them watched quietly and attentively at the swirling green vortex, even Miko who can barely keep her mouth shut for a minute. All anticipation was put on the new Autobots and not a single word would be spoken until they appeared from the groundbridge.
The first two Autobots to appear were Ratchet and Ultra Magnus who carried in some metal and other technology. In response, Miko quickly told them to get out of the way in which the two adult Cybertronians gladly did. Next came Optimus who took one look at the faces of the Autobots and humans and stepped to the side. He was wise enough to know that Miko wouldn't hesitate to yell at him if he was in her way, regardless if he was a Prime.
The entire command center held their breath for the revealing of the Autobots except for the three who've already seen them. Bulkhead noticed Optimus with a small smile on his face and he raised an eyebrow at the Prime's unusual show of emotion. However, he got her answer when four Autobots stepped through the groundbridge.
Right off the bat, Miko pelted them with questions, none of which they could understand.
"OhmyGodyou'resobig!Wheredidyoucomefrom?Howdidyougethere?What'syourstory?Whatareyourskills?Whatkindofweaponsdoyouhave?Areanyofyouawrecker?Whatdoyoutransforminto?Cananyofyoufly?Ibetyoucanflyright?Wheredidyougetthatvisor?WereyoupartofthefightonCybertron?HowlonghaveyouknownOptimus?Doyouknowanyoneelsehere?"
"Wow? What the scrap is that?" Air Raid asked, jumping back and transforming into a jet. He aimed all of his weapon systems at the small little girl who for some reason seemed awestruck at his transformation.
"Air Raid stand down. These are our human allies, inhabitants of this planet who have joined us." Optimus stated. Immediately the Aerialbot transformed back and scratched his head, shooting Miko and apologetic look.
Suddenly a string of happy beeps were heard and the group looked to see Bumblebee race over to Jazz, beeping at such a fast pace that even Raf couldn't understand him.
"Woah calm down there Bee" Jazz laughed, bumping fist with the scout. "It's good to see you too."
"You've grown Bumblebee. I still remember when you were only a little sparkling" Ironhide added, letting out a good-hearted laugh.
"Primus there's no way…" Wheeljack said, walking towards the large red Autobot.
"Ironhide? You bucket of bolts, what are you doing here?" Bulkhead asked, slapping the former wrecker on the back.
Ironhide grinned and returned the favor, slapping both wreckers hard on their backs. He was surprised when Bulkhead fell flat on his face and he quickly helped the green wrecker up.
"What's up with you Bulkhead? Lost your bearings?" he teased.
Before Bulkhead could answer, Miko jumped in, thinking that the red Autobot was purposely making fun of Bulkhead. "Hey! Bulk took on a horde of Insecticons and was holding Tox-En while he was doing it. I'd watch your mouth otherwise you'll answer to me!"
"Woah, woah, woah, Miko he's just joking around" Bulkhead assured his human charge.
"Small, fierce, and willing to stand up to someone larger than her" Ironhide said, listing off things that he's already noticed. "I like her."
Wheeljack chuckled. "Miko, meet Ironhide and Jazz."
"So you're Ironhide huh?" Miko said, looking the giant red Autobot. "You look nothing like you do in the movies."
"Movies?" the former wrecker repeated, raising an eyebrow to the to other wreckers who merely laughed.
"And what about you little dude?" Jazz asked, leaning down to get a better look at Raf. "What's your name?"
"I'm Rafael but you can call me Raf."
"Raf… that's a pretty cool name. I dig it." The laid back lieutenant said, giving him props.
Everyone in the command center mingled around, introducing themselves to the newer faces. Already it seemed like Ironhide fit in just fine with the other wreckers while Jazz, Air Raid, and Sideswipe talked to Smokescreen, listening to the rookie's story.
"Still sad that no girl's showed up?" Wheeljack joked, nudging him with his elbow.
"No way, to know Optimus is crazy enough but being on a team with vets like Jazz, Ironhide and Air Raid is a dream come true!"
"You're giving us too much credit man" Jazz said innocently, rubbing his head.
"Are you serious? You guys are war heroes! I remember hearing stories about your fight with Trypticon, or that time you guys banded together to save the Ark from the Decepticons."
"Ok I'll admit" Jazz said, looking at the Air Raid and Sideswipe. "That was pretty cool."
The group laughed while the more stern Autobots watched from the side.
"This is a very nice team you have here Optimus" Ironhide complimented, nodding at every individual member of Team Prime.
"I have done nothing. Each and every one of them have shown their courage and bravery in the field, but also maintained their civil nature and understanding of family. A team is only as great as its weakest member and I am proud to say that we are all equals."
"Well said, Optimus, well said." The former wrecker said, trailing off in thought. "Is this everyone or are there still more?"
"I believe this is…" Optimus scanned the command center and realized that there was one Autobot missing. One small, blue two-wheeler who has been emotionally traumatized for the past weeks. "Hmm, that is strange. Bumblebee, do you recall seeing Arcee anywhere?"
The scout looked just as surprised as the Prime and shook his head. He had seen her earlier before the others had arrived but it seemed like she had suddenly disappeared.
Instantaneously, small metal footsteps were heard from the hallway and everyone turned to see Arcee slowly trot in. She stopped after a couple meters into the command center, raising her head and realizing that there were some new faces. However, there was one Autobot in particular that she was surprised to see.
"Swipey?" she asked bewildered.
Sideswipe laughed. "Still remember that from our youngling years? How's it going hot wheels?"
Now it was his turn to be surprised and that went double for everyone in the room. Arcee ran forward and practically tackled him, pulling him into a tight hug. Sideswipe had a confused look on his face and didn't quite know what to do in this situation.
"Swipey?" Miko whispered into Raf's ears.
"Hot wheels?" Raf asked back, both of them still trying to piece together the fact that they had nicknames for each other.
After a moment, Arcee released the hug, giving Sideswipe some room to collect his bearings.
"So I'm guessing you two know each other from somewhere?" Wheeljack asked, pointing out the obvious.
"I guess you could say that" Sideswipe answered. "Cee and I grew up together since we were born from the Well of All Sparks at the same time. Only up until the war started were we separated because we joined different units."
"What are you doing here?" Arcee questioned, looking around and spotting the other three Autobots as well. "Air Raid? Ironhide? Jazz?"
"Hey Cee."
"Nice to see you once again Arcee."
"How's it cooking two-wheeler?"
The three of them answered respectively.
Arcee was awestruck, not expecting to see the four of them here. She had thought that some lost Autobot had made their way to Earth, not four long-time friends and mentors.
She was just about to respond when proximity alarms went off in the base. Ironhide, Jazz, Air Raid, and Sideswipe instantaneously activated their blasters, aiming everywhere from left to right, high to low.
"Relax guys, it's only the proximity alarms" Miko said. The four newcomers de-activated their weapons and blinked at the girl, realizing their overreaction.
"Who is it Ratchet?" Ultra Magnus asked the medic who was already checking out the console.
"It appears to be…"
"PRIME!"
The sudden loud voice made Raf jump since his back was turned to the elevator and he sheepishly looked down at the ground to try to hide his blush from the others. Coming up from behind him was Agent Fowler, stopping at the railings and placing to hands against it. He looked exceptionally angry today and they could probably guess why.
"Why am I getting reports on explosions going off in a forest only a few miles out from a populated town? Do you realize how many strings the military had to pull to avoid getting it put on national news? You 'bots know our standards and that does not include blowing something up and leaving dozens of dead Vehicon bodies around!"
"Agent Fowler, I understand your frustration but we were left with no choice. If we did not take action, the Decepticons may have been able to gain access to our Autobot databases as well as anything of use aboard the ship." Optimus explained.
The agent didn't quite know what he was talking about but he got his answer when he saw the four new Autobots looking at him with raised eyebrows. He quickly straightened his back, cleared his throat and fixed his tie before he addressed the recently arrived Cybertronians.
"Hello, I apologize for my rude entrance. Welcome to Earth" he greeted, earning a snicker from Miko.
"Agent Fowler, this is Ironhide, Jazz, Air Raid, and Sideswipe. All of them are some of my most trusted friends, having fought with me throughout the war and up until the fall of Cybertron." Optimus introduced. "Autobots, meet Agent Fowler, our liaison to the human government as well as any additional military resources."
"Little man you got some big bearings to talk to Optimus like that" Jazz said to the government agent.
"I'm only doing my job. The government wants full reports on the little incident in the forest and I guess I'll be adding four new Autobots to that list." Agent Fowler sighed.
"Reports?" Air Raid asked.
"The native life forms have a strict government procedure that includes giving field reports after every motion we take." Ultra Magnus explained.
"We also have strict rules and those are related to you as well, although I'm pretty sure Prime will fill you in on that later. All I'm asking is that you cool it on the explosives for now. Unless you're far from civilization, keep the battles more or less unknown to the population." Agent Fowler added.
"I assure you that they will be briefed with our regulations before taking part in any missions" Optimus settled.
The government agent nodded and smiled, heading back to the elevator. However before he got in he realized that it would be tough to write reports on the four Autobots if he knew nothing about them.
"Prime, I forgot that I'll need some background info on those four visitors. You mind shedding some light on that?"
"I am able to provide you with basic information on Ironhide, Jazz, Air Raid, and Sideswipe, however we have not yet discussed their pasts. Perhaps it would be wise if you stayed to listen and I will be happy to aid you with the reports afterwards."
Agent Fowler scratched his chin, feeling his growing beard under his hand.
Man I need to shave he thought randomly.
"Sounds like a plan. When do we start?"
…
The Autobots and humans gathered around Ironhide, Jazz, Air Raid and Sideswipe, interested in hearing their comrades story and what they've been doing for the past four years.
"Ironhide, you want to take this one? Pretty sure you got the best memory drive out of all of us" Air Raid said, eager to pass over the story telling to him.
"Right, make the old man talk" Ironhide said but agreed.
"Now where to start… ah yes" the former wrecker started and the others leaned in.
"After the Ark was launched off Cybertron, we came under attack from Megatron's new warship. The portal that we were going to use was slowly starting to close and our forces were desperately trying to push back the Decepticons trying to board the Ark. If you don't remember Optimus, this is when you made the decision to leave, hoping to draw the attention of the Decepticons away from the Ark."
"Yes, I recall of that instance where I was forced to make a difficult decision. In the end, Ratchet, Bumblebee, Bulkhead, and I escaped through the portal with the Nemesis" Optimus said.
Ironhide nodded and continued. "After you left, we were still under attack from the majority of the Decepticon army. Just as we thought the battle had been lost, the portal collapsed, sending us to a different part of the universe. When we regained consciousness, all the Decepticons had disappeared along with some of our forces, most notably Cliffjumper and you Ultra Magnus."
"That is correct. After the portal collapsed, I was separated from the Ark, instead finding myself back on Cybertron. I met with some allies for a short period of time before I received Optimus' distress call and headed towards Earth." Ultra Magnus explained.
"Anyone know what happened with Cliff? We never saw him again." Jazz asked, still wondering where his old partner was.
Arcee, having to struggle in the past when it came to Cliff's passing knew that Jazz was oblivious to what happened and forced herself to explain everything, from running into Cliffjumper while raiding Soundwave's Spacebridge to his death. She ended by mentioning the small memorial she built for him on top of the base and how every so often, she returns there to give her remorse.
"Cliff's… gone?" Jazz asked sadly, not really looking for a response.
Sideswipe noticed Arcee's distressed look and tried to comfort her as best he could. He knew about Tailgate's death and how the loss of her first partner affected her. Obviously loss of her other partner was just as painful, If not more. However, when he opened his mouth to say something, no words came out. There were just things that should be left unsaid.
"Ironhide, if you may continue…" Optimus said, not wanting to dwell on the situation further. The former wrecker nodded, understanding the Prime's motives and continued.
"I'm still unsure of how long we were out in deep space for. After fixing any damages to the Ark we received, we moved to follow the task you provided us with Optimus; finding a habitable planet to live on until Cybertron would be revived once more."
"Accept we didn't do that. At least not right away" Air Raid pointed out.
"That is correct." Ironhide said. "At around this time, Elita-1 revealed to us a separate mission you kept from all but some. She told us of how before the Ark was launched, you had personally jettisoned the AllSpark off planet in order to ensure that it would never fall in Megatron's hands. Elita, who had rightfully become the captain of the Ark, knew of the location of the AllSpark and made the decision to go after it, knowing that you would do the same. Our course was set and the Ark headed towards the AllSpark."
Secretly Optimus was angry that Elita-1 would go on such a dangerous journey. He had told her that when the Ark was clear, he would travel to the AllSpark alone and now he regret informing her.
"Ironhide, were you able to retrieve the AllSpark?" The Prime asked sternly.
"Actually, we weren't able to reach our destination" Sideswipe answered. "Mid-way through our trip, Perceptor said the ship's energon levels weren't high enough to make the trip and that it would be against the safety of the entire crew to continue."
"Has anyone else learned of the location of the AllSpark?" Optimus asked, just for precautions.
"No, not even I was given the region of it. Elita was keen on making sure on one but herself and Perceptor knew where it was." Ironhide responded. "After the mission was given up, we were forced to head towards an energon station sent off into space millenniums ago."
"And of course with our luck, we ran into the Decepticons who had the same idea" Air Raid continued for Ironhide. "They had managed to get a hold of another warship and it turns out that over half their army was still with them. Other than Megatron, Starscream, and Soundwave, everyone else was there and it seemed like Onslaught had taken over control."
"The 'cons hit us hard and multiple times too. Soon our energon levels were running low again because of the number of wounded after every battle. We could have held them off but Elita insisted on getting more energon before we charged into battle. The problem was that our maps didn't show any nearby energon stations and we were starting to get desperate."
"Lucky for us, Perceptor managed to get a hold of an ancient Cybertronian database and found a planet colonized by Cybertronians back in the Golden Age. The name of the planet was called Velocitron and was inhabited by speed-loving Velocitronians who were obsessed with racing. Everything they did, form the annual speed games to the work in factories was for racing. Even their government was based off of the winners of their races and personally, I found their obsession to be stupid and un-evolved."
"he's just saying that because he lost every race" Jazz joked, joining in on the conversation. "Velocitron was awesome and we met some real nice bots there. You guys remember Blurr right? Man could that guy drive."
Sideswipe laughed as well, being one of the Autobots able to participate in the races that were held. Air Raid on the other hand agreed with Ironhide, partially because no Velocitronian was able to fly meaning him and the rest of the Aerialbots could only watch.
"In any case, we were welcomed openly by the Velocitronians and were treated as guests to their small planet, even meeting their ruler at the time. Override was his name, a very nice and kind Velocitronian, however there was a catch. He co-ruled the planet along with another named Ransack, having tied him during their race. Unlike Override, Ransack was unreasonable and cruel, putting himself before others and doing anything to impress the public eye."
"For a period of time, we Autobots lived peacefully among the Velocitronians. Elita-1 and Jetfire were positioned as ambassadors while others like Perceptor introduced many new technologies to them. All was well, until the Decepticons arrived."
"Still under the command of Onslaught and the other Combaticons, the Decepticons began ravaging through towns, spreading rumors and lies about bringing the planet into a new age; a Golden Age. The political battle began and while some were smart enough to see past Onslaught's lies, others believed that the Decepticons were some sort of saviors. The population was split and the two sides began to rally against each other."
"At some point in time, Ransack and Override began to have different opinions, one believing the Decepticons were the right way to go while the other kept his faith in the Autobots. Eventually their fighting led to the betrayal of Ransack who revealed to Onslaught about Elita's knowledge on the AllSpark. Somehow the Decepticons tricked the Velocitronians into thinking that we Autobots poisoned their systems and it is because of us that they were unable to proceed towards their 'Golden Age'. War broke out soon after and Velocitronians who were never combat trained were forced to go into battle. It was a massacre and while we refused to fight back at first, we were forced to retailiate after the Combaticons combined into Bruticus. Eventually we learned that Onslaught's true motives were to capture Elita and gain the information needed for him to retrieve the AllSpark. We Autobots made it our mission to defend Elita and with the help of Override and Blurr, we created our own army."
The four Autobots looked down at the ground, not really wanting to go back to those memories.
"What happened after?" Miko questioned.
"There isn't much of an after Miko" Ironhide answered. "The war raged on and like the war on Cybertron, it was both devastating and painful. I saw young Velocitronians die, some who had bright futures. I saw Autobots who had survived our war, fall in this one. Both sides had casualties and exchanged victories per battle. However, later on in the war, the Decepticons began overwhelming us. We Autobots realized that for every battle we lose, the chance of the Decepticons winning the war increases. The war was coming into one of its most crucial stages, and it wasn't looking good for us."
"One day while, while Perceptor was upgrading our communications systems, we received a transmission which had been sent from an Autobot line. It was yours Optimus and while we were happy that you were still alive, we couldn't join you because of the war on Velocitron. Some of us wondered if you were still operating since we received the transmission stellar cycles after you sent it, but Elita-1 insisted on sending a few Autobots to assist you. Eventually, Ironhide, Sideswipe, Jazz, and I were chosen, although we were reluctant to go. Don't get me wrong Optimus, we all would have loved to join you and fight by your side once again, but we were already beginning to become outnumbered by the Decepticons and us leaving would be the worst thing we could do. Not only that but Elita-1 needed to be protected and we weren't going to give the Decepticons a chance to take her."
"However, in the end, we agreed to leave after Elita insisted that she was well protected. She told us that if we truly wanted to help her, not just as our commander but as our friend, we would leave and assist you Optimus."
The Prime seemed to be considering his sparkmate's decision. Usually he would never judge a commander's course of action, but the fact that Elita-1 had chosen his well-being over hers wished that he could see her once again.
"Thank you Air Raid, all of you. Not only for leaving your ongoing war to aid us but also for protecting Elita during your time of war " Optimus said, nodding at the four Autobots who stood before him. "Regardless of what you've been through and the struggles you've encountered, we welcome you to Team Prime."
The four Autobots stood up straight and saluted proudly.
"Thank you Optimus" they chorused and the other members of Team Prime saluted back, including Miko, Raf, and Agent Fowler.
"Welcome to the family."
…
Author's Note: Hello again! Wow, I've been gone for what like three days? Man, I really have to pick up my slack.
I had a lot of troubles with this chapter including a weird kind of writer's block. It's not that I didn't have ideas to go along with but that I had so many swirling around my head that when I started to write, I started jumping around from idea to idea. I actually had this chapter done a couple days ago but after I read it over, I realized that it didn't flow well and some things just didn't make sense. I've redone this chapter twice and I'm pretty much done with this. You can probably still catch some parts or two where I rushed into another section and didn't provide enough details. I had to explain a lot of things in this chapter and I may/may not have pulled it off. Regardless, the explanations will be continuing into the next one since I didn't manage to get them all down. :(
Final words, it seems like my dream of updating every other day is coming to an end. Life is just so busy lately and when I rush to finish in time, I spewl out crap like this. I'm going to take my time, develop my ideas, and publish when I have some actual good content. That shouldn't take more than two-three days so expect an update within that time.
A little thank you to all who have stuck around, even with my disoriented schedule. I love reviews so be sure to leave one right here. VVV Other than that, I hope you enjoyed and stay tuned for the next chapter.