A'N

And with this I realized...I can't write TFP Optimus! Great...

XIV

Mary looked out the window, trying to piece together what was happening. A few days ago and thought of alien life forms on Earth would be impossible. Nowadays, she was looking forward to the day where things just looked normal. She thought about how just knowing Kyle has brought about this massive craziness. She smiled all the same, turning to Kyle. He was pale now but offered a weary smile to her. She missed his smiles. They just weren't the same anymore.

"Miss," whispered the man in the front seat.

"Yes?" hummed Mary. "I'm afraid I don't know your name though…"

"Bulkhead…" he answered, glancing back. "Do you know what you're getting into?"

"I've been 'in this' for quite some time now," she smiled, turning to Kyle. She grasped his hand. "I'm a little stuck."

"Brave human," mumbled Arcee.

"We bumped into you early today, didn't we?" Mary offered.

"Yes."

"With three kids. Are they…?"

"They're human kids," smiled Arcee, nodding.

"They know about you?" Kyle mumbled.

"Yes. We've known them a while."

"Where are we going?" hummed Mary, glancing at Kyle.

"Outside the city to a safe location to Ground Bridge to the base," Bulkhead answered.

"Ground Bridge?" repeated Mary.

"What's that?" asked Kyle.

"Transporter."

The one in the back leaned forward, tapping Arcee on the shoulder. She and Bulkhead glanced back at him. He nodded, leaning back again. Arcee turned to Bulkhead, nodding. Bulkhead smiled, pulling out a walkie-talkie.

"Ratchet, requesting Ground Bridge," Bulkhead sighed.

"Give me a minute!"

Arcee smiled, nodding. Bulkhead put the walkie-talkie away. The boy in the back glanced between Mary and Kyle. Mary caught his eyes, smiling. He smiled back, offering a tiny wave. She waved back. Kyle rolled his eyes.

"Mary, this might feel weird…" offered Arcee.

"Huh?" perked Mary and Kyle.

Suddenly a flash of light appeared in front them, spiraling in rapid colors. Kyle closed his eyes, tightening his grip on Mary's hand. The car travelled through quickly, disappearing from the desert road. The car swerved, stopping within the new location. Mary groaned, holding her stomach and leaning over. Kyle patted her back.

"What was that?" gasped Kyle.

"Ground Bridges don't mix well with humans," shrugged Arcee.

The group exited the car. Kyle helped Mary stand for a moment until she straightened up herself. The base was huge, a large computer and a loft being the most defining features of the room except a large logo on the floor.

"Do you not realize how hard it is to activate the Ground Bridge in this condition!"

Kyle and Mary looked up. On the loft closest to the computer, a man appeared, leaning over the ledge and howling at the group below. He was dressed in a white, lab coat like uniform with red shoulder pads and lines down the center. His hair, a light red color, was spiked in the front. His eyes, a bright blue, watched the group with a horrible snarl.

"Calm down, Ratchet!" ordered Arcee.

"You are not the boss of me," hissed Ratchet, pulling back.

"Speaking of bosses, where is Optimus?" hummed Bulkhead.

"Out for a walk," sighed Ratchet, barely in sight. "He said he'd be right back."

"I brought Knockout," Arcee sighed.

"Great," snarled Ratchet, coming back to the railing. He leaned over, resting his head on one hand. "So…Knockout, huh?"

"Kyle," he corrected.

"Who's the girl?" mumbled Ratchet.

"Mary," she hummed, offering nod. "Ratchet, right?"

"Yes, miss," he nodded. "Used to be a medic until this stupid mess started."

"You can't be a medic now?" Mary questioned.

"I don't know anything about human anatomy or physiology," he answered, disappearing again. "That's a bit important to be a human medic."

"Right," she nodded, glancing at Kyle.

"Why are you here, Miss?" asked Ratchet.

Mary paused, looking to Kyle lightly. He sighed, turning away. Mary sighed, looked around and avoiding the question. No one seemed to understand why she was her no matter how many times she told them. No one believed in her or Kyle or their relationship. She had hope, even if they didn't.

"Arcee."

The group turned, acknowledging the approaching body. An older looking man with whiting hair, a red jacket, and white pants with blue tints near the waist and bottom, he stopped before the group, hands behind his back. Arcee, Bulkhead, and the boy offered a mini salute. The man waved it off, turning to Kyle and Mary.

"Kyle, I presume," he hummed.

"Optimus, I've heard," Kyle answered.

"And you, miss?"

"Mary."

"I offer you both welcome as I'm sure you've both been through a lot to get here."

"That is the understatement of the year, my friend," smiled Kyle.

"You certainly don't act like a Decepticon," nodded Optimus.

"I try not to."

"Now that's the understatement of the year," giggled Mary.

"Shall we talk over this matter?" Optimus suggested.

"Yes…please."