Disclaimer: I do not in any way, shape, form or mind own Transformers. (sigh)

A/N: Okay, I know I usually would update more frequently than this, but I've been so busy this past week and the previous weeks that I think I'm going to only be able to update on a weekly basis now. I apologize now to any of you who were used to me updating more frequently, but I won't be able to do that until maybe Christmas. Sorry!!!!

This chapter is a doozy, only because the some of the stuff was taken fromt the movie, and I didn't think that would really count as being part of this chapter, since I assume that most of you have seen the 2007 movie and know what happens. Hopefully, this will satisfy your appetite long enough for me to get the next chapter written.

Thanks to Taibade here on Fanfic and Atheryne on dA for beta the first half of this chapter! I miss you guys so much!

Thanks once again, Elita-One, for helping me with another question! Hey, you all, go check out her story, it's going to be so good, I can already tell!

Last, but most definately not least, thanks to all of you who reviewed last chapter! Hopefully, I'll reach 100 reviews soon! (crosses fingers)

EDIT: Okay, after taking some advice, I've enabled annonymous reviews to be allowed. So go ahead and review already!! (4:25 pm Central Time, Oct. 8)

ENJOY!!!!!!

"A scattered dream that's like a far-off memory. A far-off memory that's like a scattered dream. I wanna line the pieces up...yours and mine."

--Sora, opening scene, Kingdom Hearts 2

Chapter 11: Memories and a Message

"Taking the children was a bad move. Autobots, relieve them of their weapons."

Ironhide, Ratchet and Jazz jumped from the bridge, drawing their weapons as their feet touched the ground. Ironhide had landed the closest to the humans, his cannons whirring angrily as he shouted "Freeze!" Apparently, the humans were too focused on Optimus to heed Ironhide's demand, each of them pulling out a small gun and aiming it at their leader.

'This will get their attention', Jazz thought humorously as he extended his arm, his hand in a tight fist.

"Gimme those." He pulled his arm back forcefully, his hand opening up. All at once, the guns were jerked out of the human's hands and flew straight into Jazz's open palm. He threw them away, making sure the humans stayed disarmed. Bumblebee stepped up next to him as he turned back, his own cannon humming as he aimed it at the humans. They all watched as Optimus lowered himself to speak directly with the human called Simmons.

"Hi there." Simmons feebly waved his hand at Optimus.

"You don't seem afraid." Optimus stated, his own curiosity barely noticeable as he spoke. "Are you not surprised to see us?"

"Look," the human began, his voice quavering slightly. "There are, at Seven, protocols...okay? I'm not authorized to communicate with you except to tell you that I can't communicate with you."

"Get out of the car." Optimus ordered, all traces of curiosity gone, replaced by an irritated tone.

"Alright, alright. You...you want me, me...?" the human stuttered, his voice now shaking.

"NOW!"

"Oh, alright, alright, get out. Alright, I'm getting out, I'm getting out, you see? Very nifty how you put us down without, really killing us," he mumbled, hoping Optimus wouldn't hear.

-What are we gonna do now Optimus?- Jazz commed as Mikaela and Sam started questioning Simmons.

-For now, we should retreat to an area where I can examine the glasses without human interference. We should also consider taking Sam and Mikaela with us. I do not want these humans to harm them because of us.- Optimus replied.

-I don't know, Optimus, they could just get in the way- Ironhide interjected, his cannons still focused intently on the group of humans.

-They know this area better than we— - Optimus began, but stopped short.

"Bumblebee, stop lubricating the man," Optimus suddenly voiced aloud. Jazz and the others turned just in time to see Bumblebee close off the valve just above his legs. He emitted a gentle, innocent sounding hum, as if to say 'What? You mean me? I was doing something wrong?'

Jazz said nothing, at least, to Optimus.

-Primus, that was perfect, Bee- Jazz nodded his head ever so slightly in approval. –Next time, though, let me know before ya do somethin' like that; I'll join ya'-

The Autobots all watched as Sam and Mikaela somehow locked the humans together so they couldn't move. The last one to be chained was Simmons, but Simmons looked different that the other humans, as Mikaela had forced him to remove what she called "his clothes".

He obeyed reluctantly, and as they turned to leave, he shouted "I'll hunt you down! Without any remorse!"

-I'd like to see him try-

-Me too, 'Hide-.

Sam and Mikaela moved away from Simmons and his men, choosing to stand next to Bumblebee.

"Hey, Mikaela, do you hear that?" Sam asked.

"Yeah, it sounds like a helicopter," she answered, her voice sounding worried.

The Autobots turned to see a group of black SUVs charging toward them followed by a pair of helicopters.

"Optimus, incoming!" Ironhide yelled, slamming his fist into the ground.

Jazz acted instantly, rolling to the front of the group, his right arm reconfiguring itself into a small cannon. His fingers split, positioning themselves around the cannon and spread around it, forming a shield. He placed the shield in front of himself protectively as the shockwave from Ironhide's fist traveled rapidly across the ground, rapidly moving towards the enemy Earth vehicles.

The black vehicles stood no chance. The shockwave went straight for the tires, causing them to explode from the sudden charge. They swerved dangerously on the road, barely avoiding crashing into one another. Jazz smiled as Ironhide lifted his arm, his large optics gleaming in satisfaction.

-Finally, I get to use my cannons for something useful.- Ironhide commed to everyone except Optimus. The celebration was short lived, as Jazz watched as the helicopters contiued closing in on them.

"Rollout!" Optimus suddenly ordered, moving closer to Sam and Mikaela. They all obeyed without hesitation, shifting into their respective alt-modes. Bumblebee was the last to fully change, his tires squealing and spewing smoke. Jazz could sense something was bothering Bumblebee, but he pushed it out of his mind as he led the others away from the bridge.

-We need to find a suitable place to hide- Ratchet said once Optimus had disappeared from view, Sam and Mikaela clinging fearfully onto Optimus' hand as he lifted it to place them on his shoulder plate.

-What about Optimus?- Ironhide's voice growled, clearly wanting to go back and help their leader.

-He'll be fine, Ironhide. If anyone can get out of any mess, it's Optimus- Jazz said as he turned sharply down a trash-strewn alley. –He wouldn't do anythin' too reckless, and besides, once those humans give up, he can transform and meet up with us.-

They drove on in silence for a few moments, changing directions every few seconds to ensure that they wouldn't be followed. Jazz finally found an abandoned building that would hide them for the time being, and he led the way inside, the bright headlights on his alt-mode lighting up the crumbling wreck.

-Bumblebee, what's eatin' yer circuits?- Jazz privately commed to the yellow Camaro once they were all safely inside.

Bumblebee didn't respond, which worried Jazz. He usually would find some Earth channel and play a small sample, usually able to get his message across, but nothing came out.

-Bee? - Jazz tried, using his nickname. –Bee, ya okay?-

Bumblebee answered by revving his engine and speeding back out the entrance, catching all of them off guard.

"Slaggit, Bee, don' do this!" Jazz shouted, but Bumblebee had already disappeared.

"We've gotta stop him before he does somethin' stupid!" Jazz angrily buzzed, his engine throbbing loudly.

"I agree. We cannot take the risk of any of us getting captured." Ratchet replied thoughtfully. "I'm certain that as long as we stay in these forms, the humans won't be able to detect us with those primitive devices they call 'scanners'," he added with a snort.

-Optimus, Bee's gone. He's probably headin' for your location.- Jazz sped out of the decrepit building, Ratchet and Ironhide close behind.

-Jazz, stay back. The humans are still searching for me, and I'm in no position to change locations at the moment.- His message sounded unfocused, his attention clearly somewhere else.

-Don't worry, Optimus, we'll find Bumblebee.-

Jazz raced through the streets, neatly swerving in and out of the slow moving cars.

-Jazz, there is an old vehicle storage facility nearby. It has an access point that can give us a clear view of Optimus' current location. I am certain that Bumblebee is heading in that direction.- Ironhide relayed, as his alt-mode struggled a little to make the same maneuvers.

-Lead the way- Jazz slowed down, falling back to follow Ironhide.

They arrived at the parking garage within a few moments, the area thankfully deserted. Ironhide didn't stop for a moment, driving up each ramp with incredible speed and precision. They emerged at the top level, the roof providing an excellent view of the bridge where Optimus had hidden.

Jazz parked close to the roof's edge, his front bumper mere millimeters away.

They watched as a helicopter flew under the bridge, followed closely by another.

"Jazz, I've spotted Bumblebee."

The yellow Camaro had reappeared, speeding along the low bank, heading for Optimus.

Jazz noticed suddenly that something was wrong. Screams were emitting from under the bridge, screams that sounded human...

Bumblebee leapt into the air, changing and catching Sam and Mikaela just before they hit, his chest scraping the ground, sending sparks everywhere as he slid. He set them down gently as he stood up.

"Alrigh' Bee!" Jazz yelled, honking his horn. The sound was drowned out by the two helicopters that had flown by earlier; they had spotted Bumblebee's diving catch and were returning.

One of them flew past, shooting what looked like a grappling hook directly at Sam and Mikaela. Bee moved in front of them, the grappling hook wrapping painfully around his arm and turning him around. The other helicopter also shot at Bumblebee, firmly locking his other hand in place.

"NOOOOOOOO!!!!! STOP!!" Jazz heard Sam scream, waving his hands frantically.

It was no use.

More helicopters had arrived, another sending a hook around Bumblebee's leg. Bumblebee cried out in the only way he could, his vocal processors emitting a horrible screeching sound as the lines pulled painfully on his limbs.

-Bee!- Jazz shouted over the comm., reaching Bumblebee in the only way he could.

-Jazz, do not move from your location.- Optimus ordered sternly.

-Optimus, but...-

-That's an order, Lieutenant-

Jazz could do nothing as he watched Bumblebee struggle against his bonds. His last remaining leg was pulled out from under him, causing Bumblebee to flip over and land loudly on the concrete. Bumblebee weakly moaned, his cry echoing loudly. More and more humans were arriving, surrounding Bumblebee and the two young humans, preventing their escape.

A group of humans restrained Sam and Mikaela, forcing them to the ground. The other group surrounded Bumblebee. His cries were painful, Spark-wrenching shrieks that any creature would notice were desperate pleas for help. They became more and more piteous by the second as he was forced to the ground, the cables now fully taut, allowing him no extra movement. The humans started spraying him with some chemical, which seemed to be shutting down his motor functions.

Sam unexpectedly appeared, grabbing one of the humans and using his own weapon against him. He was quickly stopped by the humans as they circled around Bee, still dousing him with the odd chemicals. Bee gave one last sorrowful moan as he fully went offline.

-Let's get outta here before they spot us.- Jazz angrily spun around and left, not caring whether or not Ironhide and Ratchet followed him. He couldn't watch anymore.

Jazz and the others waited until the last of the humans had disappeared from the area before finally meeting up with Optimus. Jazz started changing before he had come to a stop. Ratchet and Ironhide parked nearby. Jazz motioned for them to stay hidden and they didn't object, knowing why Jazz was so upset.

"Hang back, let me check it out." Jazz slipped through a gap between two of the pillars on the bridge before swinging down, his legs hanging freely in the air before he twisted and landed neatly on one of the lower support arches.

"Optimus," Jazz began, following Optimus as he moved effortlessly from beam to beam. "are we jus' gonna stand here and do nothing?" he asked angrily.

"There's no way to free Bumblebee without harming the humans." Optimus sighed wearily.

"But it's not right—"

"Let them leave." Optimus said firmly, ending the discussion.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Jazz, I think I understand now," Cassie sniffed, wiping the tears that continued to fall.

"Whaz that?"

"I know this sounds crazy, but I think Simmons thinks I'm you. I mean, after the way he treated Bumblebee," another set of tears started falling, Cassie trying furiously to wipe them away "I don't see any other reason."

"I don't get it, though," she continued, pulling her legs closer to her chest and wrapping her arms around them. "How could Simmons think that Bumblebee was dangerous? He didn't do anything wrong. He was only trying to protect those two, whoever they were."

"He did lubricate the man," Jazz pointed out, chuckling a little.

"Good point. But still, that isn't a good enough reason to capture Bumblebee and torture him." Cassie angrily replied.

"I ain't arguing with ya, Cassie; I felt the same way you do now when Optimus wouldn't let us rescue Bee. What I don't understand is why yer leakin' again."

"It's your memory I saw, Jazz," Cassie said, her eyes shining with yet more tears. "It felt like my heart would break in half when I watched what happened to Bumblebee." Cassie buried her face in her arms.

"I'm scared, Jazz."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Cassie opened her eyes, drying the real tears that were on her cheek. She sat up stiffly, her back sore from whatever she had been laying on. Her hands had been untied at some point while she had slept, but angry red welts encircled both of her wrists from all of the struggling she had done earlier. She gently massaged her wrists, trying to focus on something other than the dull, throbbing pain.

She had obviously been moved from the plane and placed in some type of cell. The walls were gray and cracked with age, the floor a mess of various stains. A single lightbulb dangled limply from the middle of the ceiling, its weak light barely lighting up the room. The only other recognizable piece of object in the room was the broken mattress she had been laying on. There were numerous holes dotting the faded fabric.

Cassie sat there, listening to the noise of footsteps outside her room. The feet halted right outside her cell, and Cassie's stomach dropped as she heard Simmons' voice just beyond the door.

"I'll only be in for a few minutes; I want to check on the condition of N.B.E. Alpha."

The door opened and Simmons stepped in. Cassie didn't think it was possible for anyone's face to smirk that much.

"So, you're finally awake, N.B.E. Alpha," he started, gazing at her like she was some high-placed trophy he had won. "That's good. It would do us no good if you died before we could fully test your capabilities."

"Look, I don't know what you think I am, but you've got the wrong person, creature, N.B.E, whatever you call them," Cassie said, trying to reason with Simmons and keep her temper in check at the same time. "You have no right to keep me against my will like this. You're breaking multiple state and federal laws kidnapping me like this."

"Silence, N.B.E. Alpha. Our laws don't apply to N.B.E's, only humans," Simmons said, his own voice becoming irritated. "I don't have time to deal with you and whatever tricks you're up to."

"You are so ignorant and blind!" Cassie shouted, losing her hold on her temper. "What does it take for you to get it?"

"I have other important matters to attend to now," Simmons said, ignoring her shouts and moving to open the door.

Cassie couldn't hold back any longer; all of the anger, fear and desperation came out as she lunged for Simmons, knocking him to the ground just as he turned his back to her. They fell to the ground in a tangled heap, Cassie punching and hitting every part of Simmons she could reach. Reality set in quickly; Cassie was no match for the full-grown man as he rolled over and sent a kick in her direction, missing her by inches. Cassie responded by kicking him smartly on the shin. Simmons howled out in pain, cursing as Cassie readied for another kick.

The door was abruptly flung wide open; the guards undoubtedly had heard Simmons' yells and had come in to take charge of the situation. They each grabbed one of Cassie's arms and twisted them behind her back, stopping her from kicking Simmons again.

Simmon's stood up, leaning more on his uninjured leg. He dusted off his jacket before facing Cassie.

"Now, remind me once again who is in control?" Simmons sneered.

"Not you," she retorted. Without hesitating, Cassie spat at him, hitting him squarely on the cheek, just below his right eye.

Simmons said nothing for a few moments, taking the time to deliberately wipe his face off.

"I believe," Simmons said, every syllable resonating with fury. "that N.B.E. Alpha needs to learn who exactly is in charge here."

Simmons left the room, closely followed by the two guards dragging Cassie. She had no choice other than to be led away and down another hallway.

This isn't going to end well.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Simmons returned to N.B.E's holding cell an hour later. He wanted to ensure that both of the guards had enough time to teach N.B.E Alpha the meaning of the word "respect", and a few other things as well. He paid no attention to the guards, who seemed to be standing rather stiffly. Simmons pressed his ear against the cold metal, listening for any sounds to come from inside.

Nothing.

Simmons stepped back, smiling. It seems that his guards had done their job well. He started to congratulate them, but stopped almost instantly as he studied the two men more closely in the dim light.

Both of them looked worse than he had ever seen them. One of the agents was sprouting a large gash across the back of his right hand, along with a large bruise forming near his hairline. The other man didn't look any better. His face and arms were covered with small scratches, giving him the appearance of having been attacked by a dozen rabid cats. He was also hunched over slightly, obviously attempting to stand as still as possible.

"What happened?" Simmons sighed, rubbing his forehead. He could feel a huge headache coming on.

"Sir, we, uh, had a bit of a problem with it. It seemed weak at first, but after we let go of it, it went crazy," Agent Bonnefield explained. "It went for Delong first sir," he said, pointing to his hunched-over comrade. "I know this sounds weird, but it seemed to know the sensitive parts of the human anatomy, because it kicked him straight in the—"

"Stop," Simmons said, holding up a hand. "I can guess what the outcome was. So, how exactly did you finally subdue it?"

"Luckily, the shock collar I had placed on it before we left was still working." Bonnefield pulled out a small, gray remote and handed it to Simmons. "We only shocked it until it gave in and dragged it back here. It should be unconscious for some time."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Fine. It seems that we have underestimated N.B.E. Alpha's abilities, and we will need to take extra precautions the next time we handle it. As for both of you, I will find replacements so that you can have your injuries looked at by one of the scientist."

Cassie chuckled as she listened to the conversation outside, but stopped almost immediately as another wave of pain seared through her body.

Although Cassie had fought back and given the men a couple of injuries, she had come out worse than both of them combined. Luckily, her mother was a nurse and had taught her everything she knew about injuries, mainly because Cassie was almost constantly injuring herself accidentally. Even with this knowledge, Cassie was in bad shape.

Her left arm was hanging limply at her side, the only position she could bear to keep it in. She couldn't tell exactly where it was broken, but every time she moved it, it only added to her misery. It was difficult for her to breathe, so she assumed that she had a few bruised or cracked ribs, neither of which were a good thing. She had a few red blotches on her stomach as well as her leg. Cassie knew that by tomorrow they would turn into nasty-looking bruises. She gingerly eased herself onto the old mattress, keeping her injured arm on her stomach.

'What am I going to do? I need to get to a hospital soon, otherwise I'll only get worse.' Cassie thought as she closed her eyes, blocking out a fresh wave of pain.

'Cassie?'

Cassandra nearly fell off the mattress as she heard Jazz's voice.

"Jazz, where are you?" she whimpered, not believing he was near.

'Cassie? Are ya okay?'

"Okay, I know I heard you that time. Stop hiding and get me out of here."

'Cassie, can you hear me?'

Cassie stopped talking, realizing that he couldn't hear her talk for some reason. "Maybe he can..." Cassie cleared her mind and thought what she wanted to say.

'Jazz?'

'Cassie? Whaz goin' on? What happened?'

'Well, at least I don't have to fall asleep any more to talk to you,' Cassie murmured. 'Long story short: I kicked Simmons ass, he got pissed and had two of his guards turn me into pulp.' Cassie said angrily, the pain starting to annoy her.

'Are ya hurt?'

'Yeah, I'll live, but I don't know how much more I can handle. There's no way Simmons is going to get me to a hospital since he thinks I'm a dangerous N.B.E.'

Cassie waited for Jazz's response, but he didn't say anything.

'Jazz, listen. I need help fast, and the only way I'm going to get it is if I can reach Bumblebee again.' Cassie waited for him to respond.

'Are ya sure you can take it this time?' Jazz asked her, his voice worried. 'Last time ya tried tha', ya couldn't hold it. It might only make things worse for ya.'

'Jazz, I've got to try; Bumblebee is probably my one shot for both you and me to survive this.'

Jazz paused even longer this time before saying, 'Primus, help us...'

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Bumblebee, Ironhide and Prowl were all relaxing in the Autobot rec room, a container of Energon in front of each of them.

"So, when is 'Jack supposed to get here?" Ironhide directed at Prowl.

"The last comm. I received from him stated that he would be here soon, probably in about two to three Earth cycles," Prowl said, taking a long drink of Energon. "I wouldn't doubt," he added, "that Sunstreaker and Sideswipe are heading for Earth as well."

"Too bad there aren't any Decepticons headed this way, I've been itching to see some real action," Ironhide muttered, draining the last of his Energon. "How about you, Bumblebee?"

Bumblebee twirled his Energon container idly, missing Ironhide's question.

"Bumblebee," Ironhide said, gently nudging Bumblebee in the arm, "are your sound receptors offline?"

"What?" Bumblebee said distractedly. "Yes, I hope Bluestreak can also arrive safely." He reached to finish off his Energon but stopped, his blue optics widening in alarm.

"Bee, what's wrong?" Ironhide questioned, noticing Bumblebee's sudden change in behavior.

" 'Hide, it's...it's her again."

"What in Primus' name are you talking about?"

"It's the same distress signal I received earlier last cycle. Where's Optimus?"

"I believe he was in a meeting with the humans," Prowl informed Bee. "Why—"

Bumblebee didn't wait to hear the rest of the question. He dropped his Energon container and sprinted from the rec room, knocking Ratchet to the ground on his way out.

"BUMBLEBEE!" Ratchet thundered at the rapidly disappearing yellow mech, but Bumblebee didn't stop. Ratchet watched him turn the corner, sliding a little before heading down a different hallway.

The doors of the rec room slid open again, this time Ironhide and Prowl stepping out.

"What's gotten into Bumblebee?" Ratchet demanded.

"He said something about receiving a distress signal, but I didn't fully understand why he seemed so upset," Prowl said, extending a hand to help Ratchet up.

"We'd better follow him," Ratchet grumbled, turning around and heading after Bumblebee.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Well, I think that's a good enough place to stop...

(sees angry mob of readers) What? You don't like cliffhangers? Too bad. XD

PLEASE READ AND REVIEW!!!!

P.S. If anyone cares, the musical score for the movie comes out Tuesday, October 9th, and the movie itself comes out on the 16th. Yayyyy!!!!!!