Calm before the Storm

Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers, I only own Alex.

"Where do you think you are going?" came a commanding voice.

Alex stopped in mid-step and turned to face Jazz. The silver Autobot gave the young woman a stern look as she tried to sneak out of the house for the tenth time that day.

"Go back into the house before Ratchet decides to sedate you again!" said Jazz.

"I need to get some fresh air, Jazz. My ribs don't hurt at the moment!" complained Alex.

"All the same, Alex. Ratchet is your doctor and you have to obey him."

"Would it disobeying orders if you took me out for awhile?" asked Alex.

Jazz finally gave in and sighed.

"If Ratchet finds out, I am not being torn apart for scrap metal."

With that, Jazz transformed into the Solstice and opened his driver side door. Alex climbed in and Jazz sped off. Unknown to them, two mechs were watching them.

"I should tear him apart for taking her out!" said Ratchet.

"Leave her alone. You have kept Alex locked in the house for three weeks," said Optimus.

"With good reason. She isn't fully healed yet!"

"Jazz will report if anything happens, until then leave the girl alone for awhile!" said Optimus.

Ratchet grumbled and walked back into the med bay. Optimus turned and walked into the Control Room where Bumblebee was located. It was time he talked with the younger Autobot.

Bumblebee watched Jazz take Alex on the monitor and gave a small smile.

'Good. She needs to leave the ranch for a while,' he thought.

He jumped when the doors to the control room opened and turned to see Optimus walking towards him.

"Sir." said Bumblebee.

"I need to talk to you, Bumblebee," said Optimus.

"What about?"

"Alex. I know the two of you love each other but what will you do when the war has ended?"

Bumblebee was stunned. He knew Optimus saw Alex as a daughter but he didn't expect him to ask something like this!

"I…don't know. I'm leaving the decision up to her," replied Bumblebee.

"Has she decided anything yet?" asked the commander.

"Right now, she wants me to be human. I'm not sure after the final battle."

"Alright. Tell Alex, when she gets back, that I would like to talk to her."

Bumblebee nodded and Optimus left the room. The leader walked to the main hanger and saw the All-Spark sitting in a concrete bunker. Alex built it after Jazz found out that concrete was the only thing that could hide its powers. The Commander gave a sigh and walked to his quarters.

!!!With Jazz and Alex!!!

Alex gave a small sigh and she leaned her head against the window of the passengerside seat. She was still somewhat tired from the medications that Ratchet had given her.

"Hey, Jazz," asked the young girl.

"Hmm."

"Do you think this war will end soon?"

"Most likely. Wars don't last forever, Alex."

Jazz turned onto a dirt road that led to a cliff overlooking a valley. He stopped and opened the door for Alex. The young woman had the look of wonder on her face.

"I didn't know that this place existed," she breathed.

"Ironhide found it during a recon sweep," said Jazz.

"Wow."

Alex managed to watch the ocean until the pain medication began wearing off causing Jazz to take her back to the base. The Solstice sped into the base, nearly hitting Ironhide in the process.

"Whoa! Why are you in a rush, Jazz?" asked the weapons specialist.

"Alex needs some medication. I'm taking her to her quarters," replied Jazz.

"Alright, but Optimus wants to see her when she's able."

"Okay."

Jazz drove to Alex's quarters and opened his door to allow the young woman out.

"Thanks, Jazz

"No prob'. See ya soon."

With that, Jazz left for the control room. Alex made her way to the desk and took the pain medicine that Ratchet gave her. She leaned against the desk until the meds kicked in and gave a sigh of relief. The dull throbbing was starting to annoy her. Alex straightened and changed into something more comfortable. She left the room and headed for Optimus's quarters. Alex reached his quarters and knocked on the door.

"Come in," came a voice.

Alex walked in and up the Autobot Commander.

"Ironhide said you wanted to see me, Optimus," she stated.

Optimus put his hand down and Alex climbed onto it. Optimus set her on the table and continued typing. This went on for about five minutes until Alex got a little annoyed.

"Alright, Optimus! I'm told you wanted to talk to me but you are sitting here giving me the silent treatment!" said the young woman.

Optimus gave a soft sigh, which caught Alex off guard.

"Optimus, what's wrong?" she asked.

"I am worried," said the Commander.

"Why?"

"The final battle."

Alex finally understood. Optimus didn't want her hurt, emotionally or physically.

"I'm well aware of the consequences, Optimus. But I've made my decision. Nothing can change it. Not even death," said Alex softly.

Optimus looked at the human girl and realized that she wasn't afraid to die. She would be willing to give her life for Bumblebee, but he also knew that the younger Autobot would do the same for Alex.

"Optimus! Get to the control room now!" came Ironhide's voice over the P.A.

Optimus offered his hand to Alex and she climbed on. They went to the Control Room, where the other four Autobots were waiting.

"What is the situation?" asked the leader.

"Megatron sent a message. He wants the All-Spark or he will start destroying cities," replied Jazz.

The Autobots heard a small growl and looked at Alex.

"The board is set," she whispered.

There is that chapter. Two more to go! Read and Review!!!!

Question for Mrs. Optimus Prime; may I use Veronica from your fic Hero in another fic that I'm starting? It's called Return.