Chapter 20 Waking Reality
Mash up of the episodes Sick Mind and Out of his Mind.
Shaking her head back and forth.
"Do you not have a cure?" masking her voice not to crack in half.
"We don't, but the Decepticons must have being unaffected by the plague when it was released. Arcee and Bumblebee are infiltrating the Nemesis." he motioned to the monitor.
"Is that how it looks in there, I thought you said the ship was in some sort of cloaked mode"
"That is not the Nemesis, that is inside Megatrons mind."
Díssa stared wide-eyed at Ratchet "What, ain't he dead?"
Megatrons is alive...sorta, he is a coma," Jack said.
"Bumblebee volunteered to go into his mind and search for the possible cure. If any knows it, it is Megatron who gave birth to it."
She looked over to Optimus, the great bot heaved for air trying to speak.
"Save your strength Optimus," Ratchet is loyal despite his temper spoke softly masking his own insecurity. "She is here now," Optimus have tried to say something, but Ratchet had caught its meaning.
"Wait a minute, what did you just say before?" bug eyed glared at Ratchet. "Megatron, ain't he dead?"
Back at his station. "We where hoping the Decepticons' had the cure in their database, but as its a shock to us all that Megatron is alive. He's trapped in a deep stasis, but his mind is alive trapped in a vivid dreamstate. Bumblebee volunteered to dive in via Cortical Psychic Patch, devolved by Decepticons, banned by Autobots."
"A what?"
"They hook a cable to your brain and mind reads," Bulkhead explained. "Con's used it to extract memories from our heads, codes, hideouts and so on."
His explanation made sense to her. Peering at the screen, must be weird to enter others dreams. What they could see was through the eyes of Bumblebee, walking on a bridge, spires arose in the distance. A dark and foreboding setting had her hairs on her arms stand up.
"So that is..."
"A version of Kaon, imagined by Megatron," Ratchet said matter of fact.
She looked to Jack, the look on the youth face said it all. Optimus meant a great deal to them all. A beacon of hope against all odds. He didn't deserve this being eaten him from the inside out and loosing colour, once blue and red have given way to bleary grey tones.
"Díssa..."
Her heart nearly jump out of her chest. She starred up at Bulkhead. He was keeping up a brave face, mostly for Miko's sake.
"I ain't touching him" quick to defend her self, legs dangling over the railing above the medical berth.
"I didn't say you where."
"Talk to him," the bot glanced over at the others, Miko was holding Rafael's hand. She too was keeping a bravado attitude to the dire situation.
"What?" blinking.
"Tell a story you know, you are good at it. He listens to you," there was a plea in his voice.
Yes, that a very good idea she reassured her self. One story came to mind, one that always soothed her mind when feeling ill. She doubted if even could hear her, but gave it ago and started the story about two close brothers, fighting as rebels against oppressors.
At one point in the story she had to stop and hold her breath. Optimus have not made a sound. One digit raised just slight, a sign he was still there, but was he listening?
"Arcee we have the formula! Disconnect Bumblebee now!" Ratchet triumphant called out.
They did it. They got it? Her nails have made marks in her palm clenching it, she eased her grip and exhaled. "You hear that Optimus, you are going to be fine," her body trembled from release of the growing fear in her heart.
Arcee and Bumblebee got out in the nick of time. The cons nearly had them in the daring attempt. Bee seemed a little disoriented, but alive and well. Arcee had a grim face of a deed shifting her arm gun back into her hands.
"That's it, steady," Ratchet had Optimus lean on his support back on to his feet.
All bots and humans rejoiced in Optimus recovery, yet still shaky from the ordeal. Having dealt with near death situations on calculated risks by knowing his strength and weaknesses. Those same limitations have been tested over many millennia.
"Please, reserve the hero's welcome for my physician and my scout," Optimus had one of those few honourable pride filled movements knowing always could rely on his team risking their lives for him. A decision they have made on their own in the face of great danger to their own lives.
It was late, but never to late for ice-cream for the kids. Off they went with their guardians, Silverraven listened the sounds of the engines fading in the tunnel to the outside.
"Díssa," He used her human name. "Thank you."
"For taking your patrol shift, no problem, no need for you come along till Ratchet gives you the all clear." she have changed into her robotic form, by insisting someone have to be on patrol, much to Ratchet approval, she knew the route and stay out of harms way if spotting what looks to be like Decepticons'.
Optimus took her hand in his, gentle brushing a the thump digit on the back of her hand.
"I heard your voice," feeling a slight squeeze on her hand, it was warm. She fought the impulse to entangle her fingers with his.
"That's good, I have to be on my way see ya later," quickly as she spoke redrew her hand and was off, a bit to fast by nearly crashing into the sides of tunnel.
Optimus watched her go.
The silo descended into silence, only to broken by humming of the base's interior machinery.
Feeling a clog in his intakes that had to be vented and let out a light cough. Optimus nearly shed his own armour plates as the ever watching and hearing Ratchet was never far away from his patients, especially when it came to Optimus.
"Ratchet I am fine!" irritated protested Optimus.
"Not until I am sure," Ratchet was still on the edge of seat, not wanting to risk having Optimus lapse back.
"I saw that," waving a Cybertonian screwdriver in Optimus' face.
"What do you imply?"
"You usually don't go off holding hands with every female you meet," Ratchet optics ridges furrowed more then usual.
Not skipping a beat. "A human way to express gratitude for another." in honest, Optimus would have given a firm reprimand for stepping out of line-
"Oh oh that's how is going to be. I know you Optimus, can't have you loose your head over a pretty face. It can get your self killed. We are in the middle of a war for the love of the All-Spark," he rambled and puffed his chest plate.
He have been at Optimus's side when the war first started to show the horrors against the general populations. Then Orion Pax had to fend on his own against the growing number of Decepticons rallying what he could under a banner of good honest Autobots. A free choice, Ratchet was sceptic of the then younger bot. He saved his life nearly getting hit blown to scrapmetal at the medic facility he worked in. It was then he decided to join the cause.
Ratchet would not give him self to loose Optimus for all he stood for, what is he too do without him?
Letting the fit ebb out on it self feeling the pressure on his shoulders sagged heavy. Faceplate smoothed, swiping rest of the fury away into a contemplating frown sitting down.
"Do you still remember her?" Ratchet locked his gaze at Optimus. The other bot averted the gaze, optics dimmed with memories, opened with a simple uttered password. The great bot leaned on his knees.
"I do," he said after a long pause. The image of the bot mentioned had Optimus feel a sting in his Spark. "She was the bravest of us all."
"She is nothing like her," Ratchet matter of fact said.
"That is true old friend, but Díssa is her own and have her own destiny to shape."
Ratchet went to find something from a secret stash hidden away from view of either bots and humans, he came back with a bottle of high grade. It is a science of its own to fabricate the substance being a little more thicker then normal liquid energon. He handed it to Optimus, a little wouldn't hurt knowing the cure effectively was working the inners of the Prime's systems.
First sip shared Optimus solemn rare smile so faint only Ratchet knew. "There has been no one else that could match her ferocity in battle. Do you recall the skirmish at Helix Station?"
Ratchet chuckled "She tricked the Cons' in attacking their own power supply, very clever. It was over before we even could get there. No one got hurt other their pride who got out alive" Optimus nodded deeply, it have been long since sharing a bottle of high grade and discuss pass events.
The Quest for Ice-Cream monster shop ended having to take the kids back home. Arcee occupied the garage of the Darpy residence.
Bumblebee and Bulkhead first to arrive back at base, they had patrol duty early in the morning. Making them self known with a nod from the older bots before resuming their private talk. Bumblebee caught the name of one bot in particular, a name he have heard many times and meet said bot during the many battles. Bee and Bulk left the two talking about the past seeing a bottle of high grade shared between Optimus and Ratchet, a rare sight and best not to disturb.
Early in the morning the silver metallic Audi appeared. She crept in on rolling wheels not to make a sound.
"And where have you been young lady?" Ratchet tapped his peds blocking Silverraven's view.
"Oh hey Ratchet, got a little...lost and took a detour," grateful for being in her v-mode or else he would have seen her nervous grin, and how the hell did he hear her? That bot had a sight and hearing of Heimdall.
"You could have radioed for a bridge."
She transformed and looked Ratchet dead in the eyes "Ok, so what I wanted to stay out a little late. I ain't a teenager with a curfew. I have taken up responsibilities around here now that I...well you know what I mean..."
"Calm down, you are relieved from duty," padding her on the back.
Blinking at the leaving Ratchet, what just happened? "Think I have been awake for to long" she mumbled to her self. Best to get some sleep, preferable as a human. The main hub seemed barren than Ratchet hanging about as she changed and donned her clothes form of a long dress. The cotton fabric felt nice on her skin. Peering around...where did Ratchet even go, he usually is clued to one or more of monitors.
Why did she have a feeling the air was thick with an intangible remnants, letting her fingers move the veil for her to see.
"Are you al right Díssa?" the deep voice had her caught off guard. Quick reeled in her hand close to her chest.
"Oh eh, didn't see you there," and where have he been hiding? "You kinda startled me."
"My apologies," being polite as ever. So peculiar, 12 hours ago he was laying on the brink of death.
"Shouldn't you be resting?"
"Monitoring does not require much physical interactions" not taking his gaze of his computer.
"Mmmk then, I have my self a nice nap then" quick turned on her heels towards the human sleeping quarters.
"Sleep well," Optimus friendly said watching her go. The great bot rumbled with a raised eye ridge of why she was drawn to that particular area where Optimus and Ratchet shared their mutual stories hours earlier.
"Follow the light. Good, good," Ratchet is highly pleased with his examination. "I wouldn't advice anything strenuous Optimus, but it appears that your systems have fully recovered from the Cybonic plague."
"Thanks to your medical expertise, old friend," being his quintessential modest self.
"It was your scout who braved unknown territory to locate the cure," Ratchet gestured to Bumblebee who buzzed not wanting to have all the glory showered all over him. Bee was more then happy to see Optimus healthy again.
"Lucky for us, Megatron was still alive."
*Cee, did you just...*
"Yeah I actually said that."
"What matters is that you are on the mend, Optimus, while Megatron," Ratchet gathered his tools to be put back into their right full place.
Bumblebee buzzed and chirped. Arcee only nodded.
"He's right. Did my best to finish Megatron's story. Just couldn't stick around long enough to see how it ended."
Optimus nodded and waved all off to go about their business.. A status quo fell over the base as nothing have happened.
Díssa's mind got ripped from the mindless work. Heart pounding, bucket of water had been knocked over. Listening again, echo of metal hit the cavern wall and sound of a whistle followed by Miko's yelling. What are they up too...oh right they where playing basketball, Cybertron style between Bee and Bulk. How long have she been preoccupied with the Ford Mustang?
Engine and other things have been restored, final touches are the cosmetics.
Peering for long periods of time at the bucket. Having her hands and mind occupied helped her not to think of the way Optimus have held her hand. Come on Díssa he was just being friendly, then again...have she become more sensitive to others touch?
Damnit, get a hold on your self. Running a tired hand through her hair, fleeing strands got pushed behind her ear, sighing deeply peering once more at the kicked over bucket, water ran everywhere.
"Hey hey, hows the project going?" Bulk greeted her.
"Need a new clean bucket," waving said tin container in one hand. "And for me a break."
"Can't you go to the wash racks with it?"
"Nah, as my dad would say, best work done is by hand."
"That is a lot of work," Jack commented with hands on his pockets.
"Speaking about work," Arcee peered down on her charge.
"Thanks for reminding me Cee," downtrodden dragged his feet getting his backpack. His mum made Arcee promise to get Jack home right after work. Yup things are very normal around here Jack huffed.
Half way towards Jasper at the lonely roads leading between a long stretch between the town and the interstate highway.
"Hey Jack?"
"Yeah Cee?"
The motorcycles engine hummed driving within the speed-limits.
"I don't know about you, but have you noticed Díssa is more withdrawn then usual?"
"I thought I was the only one, and have you seen the way.."
"I have Jack, don't know what to make off it."
Hearing someone call her name looking up from her sewing, when done it would be a costume for a theatre play, set in a medieval setting. A tall order, yet her client generosity paid per item. Almost done with...number four out of nine, geez she is far behind, then there is the fitting. She could still make it, by finishing them before the dress rehearsals.
What is it now? She glance at the clock, her mind clicked shaking her head, another sleepless night working. The voice kept calling her, groaning feeling stuff bend over for a longer period of time.
It turned out to be a certain medic near yelling at her.
"What what?"
"Would you pick Rafael up for school?"
"Huh?"
"Just, hurry up" waving at her to go.
"What ever happened to the word 'please' around here?" she grumbled. She jumped getting a brooding stare.
Uttering a lot of none so friendly observation about Ratchet's bedside manner and got the keys to the Ford Mustang.
Rafael unfortunate missed school. The boy was more worried about his friend then grades. He kept on saying something is wrong and it was not that Bee will ever miss or not call if he is held up.
Díssa had no idea what to say, she neither knew what was wrong with Bee and sudden change of behaviour. Being on the edge and tired, she gave in.
Peering in the rear view mirror, the track roaring out of the speakers didn't enlightened the mood about end of the world.
"Not an Iron Maiden fan?"
He only shrugged. With a quick switch on the stereo panel attacked to her phone find a more suitable track to listen to.
"It ain't Miko's taste either, but who can deny the classics. Oh here we go...one of my favourite bands from back home. The bass guitar player has pretty some creative instruments or outfits on stage." chuckling "They do a pretty awesome live show, their main symbol on all of the albums covers are big bullskull, just like Autobots have theirs," tapping her finger to the music against the wheel humming.
"I guess that is nice," gloomy rooting more into upholstery. It nearly broke Díssa's heart, she hated seeing kids unhappy, they should be...be kids.
Hours ticked by, Ratchet did a throughout vital scans on Bumblebee.
"Bumblebee is complaining of intermittent visions, waking nightmares, if you will," Ratchet explained.
"But you said Bee was fine when you checked him over?"
"Physical, but the experienced endured seems to be having a temporary effect on his psyche. This induced power down should force Bumblebee's mind to rest and recover," being the best option at the moment. It will take quite some time.
When he found Bee with one of his broken tools, Ratchet was of course angry he did it, but out of a character for the young bot. He never did anything on purpose. Putting two and two things together, it could only mean one thing Bee was seeing Megatrons face in his mind.
There was a reason the Autobot Science Comity have banned its use cause of the effects of the cybertronians mind.
"Ratchet only means the best," Díssa offered her consent and hoped it might relieve the worry in his heart.
"I guess," shoulders sagged.
In manner of perfect timing Fowler beeped in on the Autobot comlink averting the tension of Rafeals worried mind. "Prime! You spot any Decepticons wearing hula skirts lately?"
"No, special agent Fowler. Why?" Optimus have no idea what the man spoke off, the question seemed odd that the Special Agent would call them about.
"'Cause I was hoping you'd have a lead on the Cons' that busted into the Kauai Naval observatory. The place looked like it was hit by an army of wrecking balls."
"Why would 'cons break in to an observatory?" Arcee pondered, didn't fit their M.O.
"Does the Hoit-Nikogosian ring any bells?"
Rafael knew what it is."The space telescope."
"As of last night, missing its primary lens."
"It's difficult to guess Starscream's intent without knowing where the lens has been taken."
"Good thing the lens has a tracking device," Fowler transferred its coordinates to the Autobots.
The screen beeped in the middle of a frozen wasteland with scanners giving the layout of the topography under and over the surface.
Arcee clearly recalled her last "The Arctic? Great. Another chance to freeze our spark-plugs off."
Bulkhead whistled "That's a ND-7 class. Biggest un-minable Energon deposit there is."
"Un-minable, until Starscream melts his way down to it." Optimus grim pointed out the fact.
"With the help of the lens." Agent Fowler's tone was grim "Melting a glacier that size would cause sea levels to rise and demolish coastal cities"
Díssa raised a finger "Hello! Don't forget out countries that can be overflooded, not just big cites but whole nation on low land coastal areas. They would disappear a lot faster then Venice and I highly doubt the dykes of Netherlands can hold that much water out." she glared at the image of Agent Fowler with an open mouth. Snapping his shut quick.
"We must act swiftly. Díssa you are to remain as back up now that Bumblebee is out of temporally service, be prepared if we'll need you." Did he just put her on the list for a mission? Not as human, but as a bot fearing the outcome of the last he had put to much faith in her.
No one objected to his orders getting ready for the Arctic mission ahead. From their last encounter with the cold, Ratchet made improvements for their systems to withstand the cold much longer. The hours ticked by.
Díssa stepping into the main hub of the base after 'changing' into her bot mode. Rafael have wanted to stay, she saw no harm why not, but might get in trouble with his parents not attending school.
Silverraven let them have some space, feeling nervous her self. Ratchet said there is a risk chance they needed back-up, but only as last resort.
"Rafael. I'm afraid Bumblebee can't hear you in power-down mode. It's getting late. Why don't I bridge you home to your family?" Ratchet offered.
"Because I told Bee I'd stay. He's family, too."
"Don't be ridiculous. You're not even the same species," the bot huffed.
"That's being related. It's not the same thing." Rafael explained "I'll show you" picking up his phone showing a picture "This is my family"
"Mm-hmm. It's very nice."more or less absent of the picture shown and its meaning, he rather not upset the boy further.
"Very large. Sometimes I can shout and no one hears me."
"Yes, yes, yes, yes."
"But Bumblebee always listens. And I can understand him. I'm not sure why, but I do."
A mental sigh, if it will help the boy be at Bumblebee's side during the procedure, so be it. Family? Human relations where far complex then first assumed.
Cybertronians had a unit, each a function working on the grander scale in a cog that was The Golden Age, bots locked in castes. If one deviated from their programming, they would be not get far, some escaped their former function
Since the war turned onto a new phase, choosing sides, many where lured by Megatron's powerful wordplay.
The Autobots did win some over at their side, workers like Bulkhead.
"Ratchet."
His train of thoughts was interrupted.
"Yes Silverraven?" becoming the norm then calling her by her human name. In the larger morphed form resembling a regular Cybertronian with more rounded features representing the chosen car mode. To flashy for Ratchets taste.
"Something is wrong with my eyes...its just strange," she was moving her head side to side, blinking, like something was stuck it in her eyes.
He waved her over and gestured for her to sit for him to take a better look.
"I don't see any defect, your optics are perfectly fine" putting down his light.
Shaking her head, "I don't know what it is was, but when I looked at Bumblebee for just a second, he looked all blurry to me, and then rest of the room just followed."
"I don't detect any abnormality in your optical sensors. But I do detect a case of nervousness" Ratchet matter of fact said. "I can confirm that the way you are shaking your from the knee joint and down without you even noticing."
"Oh?" she stared down her foot going up and down in a nervous tick, forcefully made it stop and curled her fingers into a ball instead.
"Anything else?"
"Er..Just a thought, perhaps seek out Jumping Deer, for a second opinion. Ever heard of alternative healing?"
Slight roll of the optics, giving her a condescending look crossing his arms. "As the CMO and foremost expert on your circumstances. When I say your cybertronian body is working under normal circumstances, then it is. If not for your Watcher Odin's schematics I would have spent vorns study the field of advanced mass displacement work on organic material."
Her mouth snapped shut, not wanting to get into an argument right now. Great it made her feel more anxious then before. Now aware her knee and foot started to shake again, she had to concentrate to make them stop.
"I have other work to do around here" waving the broken took in his hand. She understood and peered at the screen with the three other bots out in the field.
Expelling a long drawn breath, that was just odd to her absent minded looked to the ground-bridge. All these strange...things going on in her body made her think she was going through puberty, mood swings, things growing strange places, what a lovely picture.
...Did the cavern suddenly get colder or did she stood under a vent? No, it didn't come from above, it came from...
"Bee what are you doing?" Rafael shocked called out
Her gaze slowly turned. Silverraven jumped as a scared hare. Shocked to do anything, her limps wouldn't react. The look in his optics have changed. They pierced right through her, with malicious intend.
That is not the Sweet-Bee she know.
Darkened blurry tendrils coiled around the limps. They where clearer then before having thought was nothing. Even Bee's aura where clear a dark presence have taken over.
The ground-bridge machine had Ratchet drawn to the main hub when he heard it being turned on. It could not be the team back so soon or he would have receive a message from Optimus.
"What did you do?" Ratchet yelled.
"N..nothing," Raf stuttered "Bumblebee just got up and..."
Silverraven snapped out of her waking coma."But he was in power down mode? He couldn't have turned on by him self, you said that your self," startled faced Ratchet searching for the answer.
"No its not possible. Where does he think he's off to?" bolting to the groundbridge controls. "These are the coordinates for the site of our previous battle with...Megatron's undead." reactivating the bridge. "Stay here"
Bumblebee emerged seconds later through the ground-bridge. Carefully, Ratchet approached the him.
"Bumblebee? What have you been doing?" seldom Ratchet got angry with Bumblebee never doing anything that would tic him off. His tone feel soft in attempt to reach out and get to the bottom of the mystery. Bumblebee held something in his hand, pulsating with vile energy "Dark Energon?"
Before the bot could even reach, a hard punch send the medic flying backwards. Silverraven thought she could catch him, unfortunate the force had both got hurdled back and knocked out.
Time enough for Bumblebee put the human out of the way.
"Bee, what are you doing?" Raf pleaded his best friend to come to his senses. Nothing helped, getting placed high above the floor, no way to get down from that height. Bumblebee ignored his calls.
The portal closed once the bot was on the other side.
Groaning on the floor, and Rafael calling out for them in hope of response if it helped or not.
"Díssa, Ratchet are you okay?"
"Fine and dandy" she stretched and seemed to help with the unconformable feeling in the lower regions of her midsection.
"I'm fine," the medic groaned him self "more importantly, is Bumblebee?" he had a bad feeling about all of this. "I fear the time spent in Megatron's mind-scape is causing him to think like a Decepticon."
"Bee is not a Con'." Rafael protested jumping onto Ratchets outstretched hand.
"Agreed, But we need to find out exactly what Bumblebee intends to do with that shard." Ratchet gasped "The only one who knew of the dark Energon... Was Megatron."
"Bumblebee has Megatron's memories?"
"Worse" they had to act now before loosing Bumblebee for ever "Megatron is occupying Bumblebee's mind"
"Talk about split personality," Silverraven remarked dry. Ouch so that how it feels to get ones backside nearly crushed with things sticking out her back as she stretched and felt cracks popping. Cussing at the feeling.
"Yes, the cordial psychic patch can act as two way conduit. When Bumblebee returned to his own mind, Megatron followed."
"Ehm Ratchet, if I read this correctly, ain't that the same coordinates Optimus and the others bridged too?" Silverraven pointed at the controls.
Ratchet peered over her shoulder. "Yes it is." lips drawn into a thin line and activated the bridge once more "Stay here."
"You kidding me right? Who is going to have your back?" Silverraven protested gripping him by the elbow. Ratchet noticed the tight grip she had on him, is she even aware of her own strength? Her optics feel on her own hand, it was shacking and eased the grip.
"Al right you can be my back up Silverraven" He could see she was still nervous of what lied on the other side of the portal, but what choice did he have going in alone.
"No. Bumblebee needs me," Rafael called out to them.
The two bots switched looks between the boy and them selves. Ratchet outstretched his arm as invitation. "Of course he does"
"I don't think that is a good idea" Silverraven protective side reared up. Her protests had been overruled. Not liking this she had no choice and follow through.
Emerging on the other side of the portal into a dark hallway. Silverraven listened carefully. Somewhere in its bowels where the main engine powering the warship. Constant thrumming.
"Did Bumblebee do this?"
A small handful of vehicons where scattered motionless on the floor.
"I fear Megatron's mind is dominant, and clearly he came here for one purpose. To use the Dark Energon to resurrect his own body," they where the only ones that could prevent it.
"No! Bumblebee won't let him, like he didn't let Megatron hurt me back at the base."
"I hope you are right," Silverraven said.
Swift, she turned on her heels. "We got company." over the course of her training she have found use of her barriers in many different ways. Acting on impulse, palms and fingers spread conjuring Aegishjalmur that pulsated in the middle.
Limps clanked together bouncing back by the sudden blockade. Glanced at each other and opened fire seeing it as merely an obstacle to go through and vanquish the intruders.
Rafael gasped. "Díssa"
"Go...I can hold them...ugh..off..." face contorted projecting a thick enough enough barrier to hold them just long enough. Ratchet turned and ran with Rafael safely out of harms way.
The blaster shots echoed on the shield. It would only last for an amount of time or how much stress it could take before it shattered. She waited behind the corner with spear in one hand filling it up with energy it started to vibrate, the other morphed into the long barrelled blaster gun.
The Con's took the bait, the first running into view had a blaster ready, yet never got it to pull the trigger as a sharp object pierced through the abdomen. Those few seconds it wondered what have hit it and looked down. The nearest 3 Con's systems got fried, spasm of jerking rattling alloy bounced of each other before they fell to the floor as a puppet getting their strings cut.
Funny how she could sense the electromagnetic molecules she siphoned from in the air to generate the voltage in her weapon. It is not endless, but could handle a great deal more in this form. And then again also took time to power up.
The remaining mooks hesitated as they saw the weapon with no other physical force returned to its owner. At the same time she opened fire, forcing them to duck for cover. Once Gungnir returned to her hand she bolted. More was coming and could not take them on all at once.
Big as she was in bot form, she had an ace up her sleeve.
Drawing a long exhale of relief. They just ran past her, unaware of a human female hiding on a dark corner hugging the wall. Feeling with her naked hand over the surface of the metal. Is it just her or did the ship have...a pulse? 'No don't be that stupid Díssa, could be your own you are feeling'.
Now all she could do is to retrace her steps back to medical bay. It sounded easier in her head, the halls looked so much the same and the sound of fighting distorted her sense of direction. She could only move on, sooner or later she would find a way out.
Coming to end of a corridor that went two ways, at the very second she stepped out figuring which way to go, she stopped.
It was here, not far, but where?
She didn't had time to consider her fault by not paying attention. Heavy metal foreboding footsteps stomped behind her. The things unnatural growl made her slowly turn around. Darkened red optics stare her down with malicious intent. She could not avert her eyes from the grey titan standing in front of her, frozen in fear, mind screamed RUN, yet her legs did not budge.
Its large clawed metal hand wrapped around her throat. With little effort lifted her above the floor.
"More Autobots!" the grey titan sneered, its voice could have ripped Silverraven in half. Legs kicking suspended in the air, failed attempts to pry her assailant hand open to no avail. Pressure added to the throat, her human mind told her she was going to pass out from lack of air. She whimpering more in fear then pain. The titan with a steel hold crashed her up against the wall, and then let go glaring at the limp body of the femme sagged to the floor.
"Pathetic" it scoffed and walked off.
Her inner workings forced her self to turn back on. "Fuck my life!" hissing moving her shoulder-joint, feeling bent and pushed inward. Vision part blurry, groaning to get back on her feet.
One thick optic ridge elevated a small inch. The throw would have had knocked even Starscream out. She staggered leaning up against the wall, panting through clenched teeth.
Autobot or not, she is an intruder and had to be dealt with the warlord grunted. He had a clean shot standing 10 feet away.
No mercy.
Whir of a cannon had Silverraven snap to attention. Not this again, shutting her eyes, instinctive raised arms up in front of her with thousand of faraway voices screamed in her mind.
The flash of the muzzle from the weapon engulfed her and the wall behind her, suffered the effects from the dreaded Fusion Cannon. Weapons of power are to be used by those who could handle the raw energy when on full charge.
Deed was done, now for more pressing matters, a discussions with steel fist to get the message through needed his attention.
Smouldering remains of what once where a wall had two bots stopped. Bumblebee whistled peering in terrified awe.
"By the All-Spark" Ratchet exclaimed.
"Look!" Rafael pointed. Slack jawed peering at the prone figure, Ratchet being first to rush inside. She yelped in fear thinking it was the grey titan coming back to finish her off.
"Thank the All Spark your still alive," Ratchet tugged an arm on her shoulder. She winced from the touch. "Can you hear me, do you know where you are?" greatly trembling.
"Is she going to be al right?" Raf's meek shivered.
Ratchet quickly deduced what have happened "Shoulder can be fixed, but apart from that she is shook up. Silverraven must have used her most powerful barrier that protects her self from any harm feeling threatened." and did not mention if she haven't used it, she would have ended up as molten scrap.
She is lucky to be alive. Could she have run into...?
Head raised, peering at the familiar voices. Lubricant spilled from her optics.
"Ratchet...Bee...oh Sweet-Bee its you..?"
Bumblebee's optics smiled, confirming the warmth behind them.
"Easy now, we are getting out of here," Ratchet gently as possible supported her weight. Who could tell what else have been damaged or bent.
"I have an army of gnomes, pounding on bells, inside my skull," she tried to smile.
"It will pass, we have all been there"
Silverraven wanted to say; 'Oh that the ringing in my ears sound like having all the gears fall apart inside' as a snappy comeback.
*Woah look at that,* Bee pointed.
Their gazes fell towards a containment field. Gungnir, slow floated in a circle around. The shimmering spearhead thrummed with a beam of light, aimed at each section of metal sheet dislodging from its stand.
"What is it doing?" Rafael gulped nervous.
"It's scanning the prototype to fit with the user," Ratchet answered, he had studied the schematics in detail knowing what to expect, yet found him self awed. The pieces that have been scanned floated around the spear before searching for the next.
As the last piece had been scanned, one side of the spear facing her showing the Valknut rune. A steady pulse of light came from it.
"It's calling for me..." trembling to get her self on her feet again. Her stabilizers have been shot out of balance leaning on Ratchet for support. He didn't want to let go, bound by a moral code and rules. Lingering to long in one place with an injured bot could cause more harm then good.
"Ratchet, please, let go...I´'ll be fine" her weakened state have not beat out her steel resolve of the destiny that laid before her. They called her, amongst them in a kaleidoscope of whispers she could see his sage old smile. "Spread your wings Little Raven, do not be afraid to reach out."
She have gotten this far, there where no turning back.
Presenting her palms upright, Gungnir floated into her hands. Rune like pictographs flew over her inner eyes, etching and synchronizing into her programming and melted Silverraven in an engulfing blaze of white phosphorescent light.
Ratchet had to let go shielding his optics.
Bumblebee, Rafael and Ratchet where stumped forcing to shield their eyes. Once where Silverraven have stood, was a woman draped in a pearly white hooded dress holding a smaller representation of Gungnir in her hands.
"Woah" Rafeal had to hold his glasses in place.
Under the thin cloths, her arms illuminated in cybernetic patterns tracing through every nerve of her body. Having to gulp in a breath of air to comprehend the overwhelming feeling of changes happening underneath her skin. Eyes shimmering, seeing the world with different eyes. She saw...
Ice and snow.
There was Optimus, battling his way towards the top of the ship. On the ground below where Bulkhead and Arcee going head to head with Breakdown. Instantly she knew it was a visage of events happening, outside from two different angles in real time. The visions dived in high speeds towards the flight deck of the Nemesis.
Her heart was pounding, vision changed to back to her own body staring down on her self, hands gripping tight around the spear staff with knuckles near turned white, she eased the grip.
Rafael, Bumblebee and Ratchet turned when they heard a strange noise. A croak from two creatures soared in the chambers circling above Díssa, wide wingspan outstretched glided down settling on her raised arm for them to balance on to.
Two large ravens peered at her with intelligent black eyes and bowed their heads. "We have waited a very long time for you."
A substance smeared over the bullet proof one way mirror glass, creating a crimson pigmentation on the man's face.
Their test-subject had gone into a frenzy, being injected with a liquid extracted from the purple crystal. Two scientist and a guard went in to subdue the patient. One barely made it out, slamming the door shut and lock it from the outside.
Callous to the carnage, writing on his notepad. "Occupational hazard. Shall the room be purged?"
"No, observe the test-subject," Silas impassive stood with hands behind his back, glazing over the new Head Chief of the Science Division. Some accidents have occurred recently with his former colleagues, yet Silas could not deny the progress made under his supervision.
"Your wish is my command, Sir," not bothering to look at his Commander and Chief as he scribbled more notes down. Door closed. Lip curled up into a vicarious smug on his face. A shadow crept up behind Max Davenport, outlines of the figure had to crouch as the head touched the ceiling.
"You are toying with him aren't you," the dark figured said. It breathed down Max's neck.
"You taught me how to toy with mortals, Master," he turned and faced the dark figure.
"I did," the voice ragged chuckled and started to cough. "Did you bring it?"
Max nodded and pulled out an innocent small looking box underneath his lab-coat. The dark figure reached out for it, stopping half way wheezing a gasp.
"Master?" the room dropped a few temperatures seeing his own breath as he exhaled. It held up his hand not to be approached. The fingers curled together, one extended pointed at Max.
"Leave me," it ordered and was gone into the darkness.
Staring into the dark corner, a click of a seal telling him his master have locked it from the inside. What was that all about? He conjectured something have had his master set off, he could tell by the sudden fluctuations drop in temperature.
The woman, it had to do with her, but how?
"Shit!" he had seen many things what humans could do to each other, yet this had him on the edge. The test-subject stood staring right at Max, as he could see through the one way mirror. Shuffling to the side the, it followed with him.
Now that is just more eerie, writing it down.
Everyone had made it out in one piece.
Agent Fowler got a head-ache how he was going to explain why a very expensive telescope lens couldn't be retrieved to the Chief and Staff in Pentagon. In the bots defence, they had no other option as it was used as a weapon in the hands of the Decepticons'.
Ratchet finished his scans "Everything's back to normal."
Bee expressed happy being 100% plus many Megatron mind control free. "Well, normal for Bumblebee." Ratchet chuckled.
Bumblebee felt bad for what he did. "It's okay" Raf forgave Bee buzzing and chirping away. "Of course. I was. I know."
"What'd he say?" Miko asked.
"He said thanks."
Bumblebee's optics smiled. All was forgiven.
"By the way. How did you guys get out?" Arcee crossed her arms.
"They showed us the way out" Silverraven said with out thinking.
Her inner programs had gotten time to sync up with each other, allowing her to shift forms more easy. The upgrades, which Ratchet explained to his best knowledge, advised her to give it a few days before trying out her new forms.
As for the white hooded robe, it is part of the prototype, being purely ornamental from the creators design adapting too her molecular biological chemistry when switching from organic to Cybertronian. He liked to take a closer look at when it was possible.
"Whut?" Bulkhead exclaimed. "Is that normal?"
"They are no ordinary ravens, they where Odin's trusted ravens. Hugin and Munin, but what what about Gere and Freke?"
"Oh oh, I know this one... his pet wolves," jumping up and down with a raised arm.
"Hey what a surprise she actually remembers something."
"Duh, Raf is looking it up" rolling her eyes at Jack.
"Says here, that Gere and Freke helped Odin in battle and everything brought to the table is given to the wolfs. Their names means the ravenous or greedy in old Norse."
"Jeez talk about hungry wolfies" Miko wrinkled her noose.
"Least they didn't grew in sizes like Fenrir and Jǫrmungandr, according to the sagas they grew larger the more they ate." Silverraven mentioned."What was that?" listening to Munin, croaking while Hugin lowered his head with what appeared to be sorrowful. "Oh..."
"What did they say?" Bulkhead asked behind her.
"They died a long time ago..." did she hear that right? "...while defending a descended of Odin. It was Loki who killed them in cold blood wanting revenge for the wrong doing done against his children. The Aesir and Vanir caught Loki and separated his mind from his body" that is not the story she have been told. "Is that even possible?" the ravens croaked speaking more "Stop. Shut up...to much information in one day" shutting their beaks shut.
Walking away, silent request to be left alone. Hugin and Munin did not follow their mistress.
"What was that all about?" Bulkhead rubbed the back of helm.
"Drama, drama" Miko loud pouted. How can one not like transforming into a big smashing robot? She used to be fun, now all gloomy as it was bad thing.
"Didn't Díssa mention this Loki fella is supposed to be locked up in a cave deep underground, if he is release it the start of the impending...end of the world" Jack injected getting what she rambled about with those two big birds. His eyed fell on them.
They sat there as two perfect carved out onyx statues. One turned its head at Jack as it knew what he was thinking. It made him jump, nervelessly pretended casual flipping through his own notebook.
"Ugh, Jack that sounds so boring, if any can stop the end of the world stuff its these guys, ain't that right Bulk?" the girl beamed with confidence.
"Er, yeah, nothing gonna hold us down," Bulkhead chuckled.
Optimus respected Silverraven's wish for solitude and turned to other matters.
"It stands to reason they are constructed by the same Watchers that fabricated her prototype," peering at a scanned diagram of both ravens.
"I can't see which are which on the outside" Ratchet pointed out. "Could be twins, yet Silverraven can tell them apart."
The Prime inertly rumbled contemplating with a hand under his chin. "In light of the resurrection of Megatron, further questions about our new avian friends must wait."
"What do you suggest we do?"
"Megatron is likely to establish his foothold back in the ranks, so we can only wait till he makes his move."
Ratchet nodded.
Duvet and sheet trashed about in the sleep, she awoke abruptly, panting and bathed in sweat. Signs she had a nightmare. Grateful this one she could not remember tugging her knees up under her chin. She turned on the light.
Beside bedside lamp stood the two wood carved figurine of Frey and Freya, given as gift from the couple she have handfasted. It made her smile, it was a very lovely ceremony followed by a great feast as all weddings do.
Two large birds sat at the foot of her bed. For a moment, she thought she was still dreaming, but then reality of her new life came into focus. The life she lived before before the events seemed more as a distant memory.
Sighing deeply one of the birds crept closer. It looked to her as if where asking what she have seen. It stayed silent, peering at the other pruning its feathers. Díssa let her fingers glide over the ravens feathers, expecting it would feel as metal. The soft well preserved feather coat glided through her fingers. A cat hissed beside her, it was under the cover.
"Sapphire!" Díssa, carefully lifted the duvet, the cat crept back further in, feeling threatened in her own territory. "Don't be mean stupid cat!" the white cats blue eyes stared at the intruder and then to her. With a huff, she let the fabric fall over the cat.
Hmm, where is the other feline? Díssa wondered, could be out hunting or down stairs laying on his favourite spot on the sofa.
"Bet you guys, had it more easy with Gere and Freke," Munin tilted his head, thinking about some sort of response. "No no, don't tell me," waving Munin off, beating his wings insulted not to answer.
The red and blue semi truck was no where to be seen. Admitting she missed seeing it, however not desperately. She felt safe knowing he was around, keeping watch while she slept...In a none creepy way, the other bots hanged around the kids neighbourhood, making sure they too are safe.
Looking at the clock, it's not that late...although bone tired getting home having her sleep rhythm smashed switching between time zones.
The cool nights air was nice, it have been one of the more hotter days earlier that day. Summer was soon coming at its end. Her thin morning robe clung to her body, leaning on the wooden bannister holding a phone to her ear.
She gazed down at the front yard.
Her grandfathers roses spread over the garden, but those right below where his pride and joy when he still lived. Particularly the pale orange coloured ones had a sweet lemon aroma. The phone kept on ringing till the caller answered.
"So what is up hun?" He knew her well enough something was on her mind in the middle of the night and could not just say it over the phone. Since making the call, she quickly dressed and out the door within half an hour, driving down the road, with good old Johnny Cash out of the speakers.
Staring endlessly at the big mug containing freshly made coffee, tapping with her finger on the porcelain. Her ticks slipped into a shivering drawn breath, eyes sought him. "I nearly got killed."
"Okay..." Pushing him self from the table and went to gather a bottle from his bar cabinet. "This calls for something stronger then coffee," a small smile shown on her face. Rolf knew her to well serving two shot glasses each from the strong Aquavit. Díssa gulped them down fast as mothers milk.
Two more got served she took down in same fervour, it helped to loosen up and started what happen and did jumble around the timeline. Rolf listened. Geez, heavy stuff she told him.
He drank his share of the bottle. He was there for her to listen, that heavy weight she have carried on her shoulders loosened, but still more she couldn't put her finger on how to go on where her life was now.
Rolf snapped his eyes open, squinting the eyes at gnomes hammering on his template thanks to screaming children passing outside 5 metres below the open window. Groaning trying to find out what time it was. He had fallen asleep on the table, a blanket have been put over his shoulders.
Now it is not normal for him, to wake up screaming in terror by having a large black bird starring into his face. Not only did he wake up the whole building it awoke Díssa rushing in with her spear drawn ready to strike at the intruder.
Easing her stance and let the weapon collapse in on its self. Not to seem to obvious, covered her mouth and sniggered with her back turned.
"That would Hugin and Mugin."
Rolf stared back and forth between the ravens and Díssa. "I think I need a clean pair of boxers, better yet, a shower" he exhaled. She sniggered holding down a laughing fit, should she mention he screamed like a little girl.
"Coffee?"
"Yeah yeah. You know where it is" and bolted to the bathroom.
She gave the ravens a glaring stare "Now that was not nice scaring him like that." giggling on her way to the kitchen. Wincing her noose, ugh, when is the last time he have cleaned up in the kitchen?
Towel wrapped around his waist and smell of fresh coffee allured him into the living. "So what are your plans?" he looked to her, sitting in her own little world.
"Hmm?..fuck, shit" she have forgotten about the lit cigarette, the last bud made her aware as the stinging burn in reflex threw into the ashtray. Sucking the finger as toddler, Rolf chuckled, hand on her shoulder. She flinched hissing and cussing, "Ouch...not so hard." he had touched where it hurt the most, other then that she is fine.
"Ups, sorry. Should Doc bot not take a look at it?"
Rolling her shoulder. "Ratchet already looked me over as a bot, should heal on its own once I got the bones or what ever sat back on place."
Long awkward silence, another cigarette found its way to her lips, life outside beamed, cars driving by and birds singing. Her ravens had flow off to gods knows where. They where never far from her side, she could feel their presence.
"Sooo...speaking about doctors..ahem," clearing his throat.
"I know, mum called me the other day. I feel guilty as it is."
Rolf took her hand. "You shouldn't beat your self more up," giving a small squeeze. Silently Díssa nodded and poured another cup of coffee.
A shower and few hours later, Díssa stood in the door between the ward and the hallway. Uncle Theo he was hooked up to a bunch of life support machines locked comatose. She clenched the sailor hat in her hands. A few patches have been sew together, looking good as new.
A male nurse was finishing the check up the patient.
"He doesn't have long," the nurse informed her. She only nodded and was left alone to make her peace.
Díssa picked up a chair and sat next to bed. Shaken took the shrivelled hand in hers, it felt cold.
"Uncle Theo..." peering at the old sailor, is this what he wanted to be hooked up to machines extending his life with no future? Wetting her lips and found her resolve. She gave her self time and told him from the start meeting the Autobots. Rolf made sure they where all alone and undisturbed.
"I have been going through some grandfathers journals and research. I can see why he had to keep it a secret. Both of you. Things are never as it seemed, I understand I have to finish what you started" she said with a long drawn exhale.
She laid his hand over his beloved sailor cap before placing a kiss on the forehead. Wiping a tear away from her eye whispering to the comatose Theo.
Out in the hall.
"Wanna get something to eat?"
"Sounds like a good idea. I could eat a horse right about now" feeling another large weight have been lifted off her shoulders.
"There is this new place down at the marine, heard it's pretty good and offer take out. We can sit at the pier after"
"All that is missing from that is a couple of fishing rods," her face lit up. Arm over her shoulder giving her a hug.
"There is the girl I know, don't care what thing you turn into, just be the one you are."
"Are you going to start singing ….." and he was from one of his favourite animated movies. Embarrassed she hid her face with one hand and groaned from the baffled faces peered at them especially Rolf. He was singing false, but the man didn't care at all.
Soft light from the afternoon sun crept in the ward, warming up the room. The machines steady thrum spilled out into the room. A hand over a sailor cap clenched it fingers and eyes fluttered open, heavy after a long sleep.
And that is it for the latest chapter, currently revamping The Wrecker and the Shieldmaiden if you have been reading it too. It takes time and gone into introducing the crossover earlier with Stargate SG-1.
I do believe my grammar is getting better, but not perfect, least picked up some tips along the way, you giys decide or how the story so far is going with my own love for the Norse Gods and the mythos behind them. Not forgot the Transformers, big large robots, what is not to like about that :)