A/N: I'm sorry this took me so long. Finals are over and I'm out for the summer, though I am taking summer classes, getting a job and getting surgery. The surgery is in ten days and I'm gonna be very out of it, so there's gonna be another bit of a wait until I can get the last post for this story, which is the epilogue. I hope you enjoy this chapter. It's the longest one yet. Thanks for being patient with me!

I don't own Transformers!

The Ties That Bind
Chapter Thirty-Five: What the Future Holds

Peyton was practically running down the hall, a stack of folders in her arms. The next time Jeffery asked her to do him a favor she was going to tell him to shove the favor up his ass. Well, not really. He may be her godfather, but now he was also her boss. But she could still protest profusely. She was running back and forth from DNA, trace, fibers analysis, ballistics and toxic analysis, talking to all the lab techs, and getting Jeffery's results from a staged drug sell gone awry resulting in seven deaths, one of whom was an undercover police officer. So, it was her first week and she was already on the field, but Jeffery wanted her to get a feel for the lab before he put her out there. Peyton thought it was a waste of time, especially since she seemed to become his secretary.

She wasn't really paying attention when she rounded the corner so it shouldn't have been a surprise that she ended up smacking into a large body, all the folders spilling onto the floor. She stared at them, her mouth hanging open in shock and a little disbelief. "Terrific," she spat angrily. Kneeling down she started to gather them. "Fantastic, beautiful, awesome, great—"

"Wicked, tight, tubular," a male voice said, "I like tubular. Very Californian. Sorry about walking into you like that. I should've watched where I was going."

Peyton looked up at the source of the voice, her mouth going dry. Hot damn, this guy was fine. He had an awesome smile of pearly white teeth. He knelt down and helped her gather the papers, but she continued to stare. Snapping herself out of it, she went back to her task.

"This is Jeffery's case," he pointed out, "The drug deal, right?"

Peyton nodded, too embarrassed to speak.

"I don't think I've seen you around here before. I'm Carter Watson."

"Peyton Callaghan," she responded.

"Oh! The new girl!"

Peyton laughed lightly, stacking the folders together. "That's me."

"So, you're skipping out on the lab tech stuff. When you'd take the proficiency test?"

"Yeah," she said, "Right out of school. Level one."

"That's pretty amazing," Carter stated, "Not many try that or even make it. Good for you."

She finally looked up into his dark eyes and smiled. "Thanks."

Getting to her feet, Peyton softly thanked him for helping her out and started to walk away. She was halfway down the hall when he called after her. "See you around then, Peyton," he smiled hotly.

She nodded, a blush coming to her cheeks much to her dislike. Turning again she rounded the corner while Carter continued in his own direction.

When Sam opened his eyes, there was someone leaning over him. He couldn't place the face, but he had really familiar blue eyes and a black and yellow leather jacket. Sam frowned as he tired to figure it out, but he noticed something else first. This kid was way in his personal bubble.

"He's awake," the blonde boy stated.

"Yeah, Bee," came from behind him, "You're probably freaking him out. Wanna back up?"

"Opps," the reply was, "Sorry."

"Bee?" Sam asked hoarsely.

"Yeah," said the blonde boy, "Don't you remember?"

His mind went back to when he was in an unnatural stasis and how a human version of Bumblebee helped him figure out how to wake up. Then he remembered Hound's MHGs. This was weird still. Sitting up slowly, Bee helped him do that. Mikaela knelt down in front of him, a concerned look on her face.

"How you feeling?"

"Like Optimus ran me over," came the response, "What happened?"

"Well, you shot that bird and that big cat with some kind of white light," Miles said, "and then you fainted."

"White light?" Sam mused, "Dude, as soon as I think I've figured this all out I'm shooting light from my hands!"

"Ratchet thinks that the radiation as manifested greatly since the Cube was destroyed," Bee said, "It's probably best if you lay off on the powers for a while until we can figure it out."

"Manifested?" Sam asked, "How?"

Bumblebee frowned, his lips pursed together tightly, a very human gesture. "Well, we're starting to think that since you were exposed to the radiation when it was destroyed that you've somehow managed to manipulate the portion of the power that was given to you into a weapon."

Sam's eyes brows shot sky-high. "So, what? I'm a weapon now?"

"No!" Bee quickly answered, "You're not the weapon, the energy from the All Spark is."

Sam didn't look convinced. "But I am the All Spark now. That makes me the weapon."

"You're not an object," Mikaela stated, "You're a person."

"Yeah, but that doesn't change the fact that I can use the energy that is supposed to restore life to kill things," he said, "I'm not gonna become a government experiment am I?"

"No," Bee said fiercely, "They won't take you away."

"Keller thinks it'd be best for you to stay with the Autobots so Ratchet can keep a good eye on you," Mikaela added.

The thought had obviously run through his head. He didn't want to be captured by Sector 7 or anything like Bumblebee had been, especially since S7 was back in action. Simmons had seemed to turn over a new leaf, but Sam wasn't so sure about him yet. He felt lucky that Keller was there to help out. He didn't want to imagine what would've happen if he hadn't been. He managed to get up and start walking on his own. Bumblebee's holoform vanished and as Bumblebee transformed, Sam took Mikaela's hand. Looking around at the destruction of the base, Sam couldn't help, but think that he could've done something to stop this. If he hadn't been so weak he probably could've saved a lot of people. Who knows? Maybe even taken out a few Decepticons?

Walking around the base, they eventually came upon his parents. Sam let them hug him. He was just glad they were alright and more than anything, he needed them. He didn't know what he really was anymore. He had the power to bring life back to both the Autobots and Decepticons. He proved that with Jazz and Megatron, but now he was using that power as a laser beam or something? Looks like the Cube gave him more power that even he realized. As his mind wracked though these ideas, he let her head drop on his mother's shoulder and sighed heavily. What he'd do to get his normal life back.

Peyton snapped a few photos of the prone figure on the concrete. Not a good part of town to be in, especially if you're a tourist. Cheapest hotel in Vegas! Great rates! Stay here and get mugged and killed on your way to the casino! The poor woman didn't even know what she was getting herself into. Samantha Reed, age twenty-seven from Troy, Michigan. She could hardly be recognized by the beating she received pre-mortem. From various shoe prints in the blood surrounding the body, there were multiple assailants. She noticed some abrasions on the woman's hands. Kneeling down, she snapped a photo and got a closer look. She fought back. From the blood spatter the beating took place on the ground.

"What do you think?"

Peyton turned and saw Carter walking up behind her, his face grim. She sighed and got off the ground. "Definitely mugged," she answered, "Shoe prints indicate multiple assailants and complete overkill. This wasn't necessary if all they wanted was her purse."

Carter stepped up beside her, close enough that she could smell the cologne he used. She gulped a little nervously and tried to inconspicuously back off, which was kind of difficult. Carter didn't seem to be paying attention as he stared down at the body. Peyton pursed her lips together and kept her head down. A woman was murdered and she was feeling like a hormonally ridden teenager with a immature crush on her co-worker or something. Shifting on her feet, she was silently waiting for him to say something.

"Jeffery sent me to help you out," he said, "You mind?"

"No," her voice cracked. Carter laughed lightly while she cleared her throat, "No, I don't mind."

Still smiling, something caught his attention. "Got some bloody shoe treads," he stating, "running…that way," he pointed to an adjacent alley.

Peyton looked down at the body, a short trail of blood leading from a smaller pool to the one the victim was in. There were hand prints as well she could just see in the overhead street lights. "She tried to get away," she said softly, her voice tight, "She tried to crawl away and they wouldn't let her."

Carter looked over at the blond, his face grim. It was Peyton's first real case. She would learn the hard way that feeling too much for the victim would put a hard strain on her in the long run. Carter walked by and patted her shoulder briefly, but didn't look at her as he continued to asses the crime scene. The corner arrived to take the body after pronouncing the time of death to be a few hours ago. For Peyton, it made it a little easier to collect evidence without the blank eyes of a dead woman watching her. Carter occasionally looked over at her when he thought she wasn't looking but in all actuality she did notice.

Finally, she turned, an annoyed look on her face. "What?"

Carter looked a little startled and tried to play it off. "Huh? Nothing."

"You keep on looking at me," she stated, "Do you have something to say?"

He shook his head, but she could tell that he did. "No, nothing."

"Then knock it off. I'm trying to concentrate."

There was less then fifteen seconds of silence when he spoke up. "I was just thinking that, well, I'm getting a little hungry and wondered if you wanted grab some breakfast after shift."

Peyton who was in the middle of bagging unknown strands of hair with the skin tags still attached when the suggestion was made. Slowly she turned around. Carter was smiling that suave smile that he had given her almost a month ago when they first met. She didn't even notice it until Carter suggested a place to go that she had nodded and nodded again at the suggestion of Bob's Bar & Grill. It was a nice bar and restaurant and they had good burgers, but served breakfast in a short period in the day. A lot of guys on the force went there after shift and even Jeffery told her to check it out.

A few hours later they're shift ended and both were too hungry to go home and change, so they hopped in Carter's Avalanche and drove right to the lab, submitted their evidence and headed over to Donnie's. It was easy to get a seat over by the bar. It wasn't hard to pick out what they wanted since the breakfast menus, while absolutely delicious, was rather small.

The waitress took the menus. "So is this gonna be one bill or two?" the waitress asked.

"One."

"Two."

Carter and Peyton looked at each other. Peyton blushed slightly and bowed her head. "C'mon," Carter said, "I'm buying."

"You don't have to," Peyton said, "I can pay for myself."

"What kind of date would this be if you paid?"

Peyton's eyes nearly popped out of her head. "Date?"

"Well, yeah," Carter smiled. Peyton stared at that smile, really wishing he'd stop it for her sake. "One bill's fine and don't listen to her," he pointed at Peyton, "she doesn't know what she's talking about."

Peyton looked ready to protest, but was cut off by the waitress' bubbly laughter before she walked off. This time Peyton glared at the man sitting across from her. He only smiled innocently and that smile made her blush and turn away again. What is this, high school? Stop it, she said to herself fiercely. So their glasses of OJ came out and Carter struck up a conversation about work. It was something they had in common. Apparently, Peyton had still been getting turned around in the lab and so he offered help anytime she needed it. They also talked about their case they were sharing and the ideas that came along with it.

"They left the victim's wallet," Carter said, "but they took the money and credit cards."

"Not the norm," Peyton stated, "Muggers usually take the wallet with them, not empty it out and drop it by the body."

"They might have had time," Carter said, "While the victim was being beaten one of them might have gone through her purse."

"That's speculation," came the reply, "But it's a good one. Coroner pronounced TOD to be around…" she looked at her watch, "eight hours ago."

"Making it around 2 AM when she was killed," Carter finished, "This was a mugging, no doubt about that, but they went way overboard with the beating. None of it was necessary unless they wanted to kill her."

"They might have wanted to," she said, "She was a tourist, right?"

Cater nodded. "Yeah, so?"

"When I was in high school some of the older kids would talk about this thing called fannysmackin'," she explained in a hushed tone, "Kids go around and find tourists and, well, beat them up."

"Is this for fun?"

"Yeah."

Carter sighed. "That's disgusting. Why can't kids stick to underage drinking and weed?"

"But they're not supposed to kill the tourist, that's the rule."

"How do you know about this?"

"A friend tried to get me to go."

"Did you?"

"Of course not! She eventually backed out too and all the kids involved got arrested. They all got out at eighteen and some are serving more time in the state prison."

"Damn."

"Yeah, so, I'm not sure if this might be the case, but a tourist was mugged and beaten about four blocks from Samantha Reed a week ago, same MO."

"It's speculation."

"Yeah, but it's still an idea."

Soon, they had their food and a polite well-wish from the waitress. They ate in relative silence, occasionally tossing out ideas about their case or other unrelated subjects. Before Peyton knew it, she was relaxed and shamelessly flirting with her co-worker. At the end of their meal, it was time to go home and rest up for the next shift. Peyton tried to smuggle money into the check book and even tried to pay the waitress the tip, but Carter was one step ahead of her. Walking back out to his truck, Peyton realized that her car was in the shop and Jeffery dropped her off at the scene after telling an officer to drive her back to the lab when she was done. Well, that obviously didn't happen and now Carter was driving her back to her apartment.

"Well, thanks for the 'date'," Peyton said, "We should do it again."

"Definitely," Carter said.

"Okay," she said shyly, "Well, bye."

As she reached for the door handle all she heard was 'wait'. Turning back around, there was a set of lips on hers. It was chaste and brief, but it still gave her goosebumps. Carter grinned at her.

"Too forward?"

"…umm…"

"See ya," he winked.

"B-Bye," she fumbled for the door.

Opening it, she tired to get out, only to remember that her seatbelt was still on. Hopping out of the truck, she made a dash for the stairway. Spinning around, she waved and started her jog up the stairs. She got in front of her door and reached for her purse only to realize that it wasn't there. Groaning loudly, she spun around to run down the stairs, hopefully to catch Carter before he drove away, only to see his head pop up on the stair holding her bulky black purse.

"You forgot this," he stated holding it out.

"Thanks so much," she blushed taking it. Pulling out her keys, she sighed in relief.

"See you at work," Carter waved before heading for the stairs.

"Wait!" Peyton said, a little louder then needed, "Umm…Well, uh, d-do you wanna come in for a bit?"

Carter had stopped, on foot on the first stair. He seemed to silently contemplate the idea before smiling, but not that hot, sexy smile, but a genuine smile and nodded. Unlocking the door, Peyton pushed it open and walked in. Holding the door open she gestured for him to enter like a butler would. He did and Peyton shut the door behind him.

Thankfully the injuries Starscream sustained weren't as severe as they looked. Ratchet went to work on him as soon as he could get the uncooperative jet to hold still. Starscream was ready to chase after Megatron and take him on, which would've more than likely resulted in his death, but he was talked down by both Kale and Optimus. The jet's change of heart was startling, especially having risked his life to save Jazz. When confronted with the behavior he played it off, of course, but they were thankful nonetheless.

"Finished," Ratchet said, "You irritated previous wounds, but nothing severe. You're very lucky. Megatron could have killed you."

Starscream didn't make any indication that he was listening to the medic as he sat up slowly, holding his sore chest. Getting off the table, he strode past Ratchet without even looking at him. Ratchet glared, but didn't say anything. It was Starscream that did.

"Thank you."

Ratchet turned only to see that Starscream was already rounding the corner out of the hanger. Jason entered though his eyes were on Starscream. Jerking a thumb at the mech's back, he seemed to say 'what was that all about?', but Ratchet shrugged and shook his head.

Starscream didn't pay attention to the people and mechs around him. He just kept walking. He didn't want to talk to any of them. He knew he had thrown them all for a loop when he took a killing blow from Megatron, saving Jazz's life. He really didn't know why he had done that. He was fighting Vortex, saw the situation the usually easy going Autobot was in and acted. Nothing motivated it, but a desire. He didn't want Megatron to kill Jazz, more to get in Megatron's face then for Jazz's sake so what better way to piss the slagger off then in keep him from killing that same Autobot twice.

"How you doing?"

Starscream stopped and looked down at Kale. The human was wearing his usually camouflage pants and heavy boots, but instead of his heavy coat he just wore a black tank top. His face and arms were streaked with dirt and oil, having been working on clearing wreckage all day and night since the battle. He looked thoroughly exhausted, but willing to do more.

"Are you okay?" he asked again.

"I'm fine."

"Are you gonna leave?"

Starscream's mouth twitched for a second. Getting right down to the point it seemed. "Yes."

"Okay."

And then he started to walk away. That was it? "Wait."

Kale spun around, his stoic expression breaking in surprise. Starscream reached into a crevice in his chest, his fingers grasping something small and thin and pulling it out. Kneeling down he held it out. Kale took it and stared at the photo of him and Tristan in there training days. The edges were singed and the photo was worn and crinkled, like it had gone through a battle. Kale had honestly thought he lost the picture, but he figured out where it had gone as soon as Starscream handed it back.

"You dropped it. I held onto it. I thought you would like it back before I left," the ex-Decepticon said.

"Thanks for returning it," Kale said, I'm glad I didn't lose it."

"I'm sorry it was damaged."

"Don't worry about it," Kale smiled, "I'm just glad the whole thing didn't burn."

"Goodbye, human."

"See ya around, robot."

And then he walked away again, pocketing the photo and jogging back to where Will, Epps, and other soldiers were helping move wreckage. Starscream didn't stick around to watch. Getting up, he turned to keep moving only to find Optimus Prime blocking his path, arms crossed, blue optics narrowed. Keller was also standing at his feet staring up at Starscream, seemingly, in a new light. Sector 7 soldiers also stood by, heavily armed, no doubt with 105 sabot rounds. Starscream didn't want to have to fight them, but he wasn't about to be killed after all this. He kept his optics on Optimus, since he was the one he'd have to worry about.

"I heard that you are leaving," Optimus said.

"Yes."

"Are you sure that's what you want?" he asked, "You're welcome to stay here."

Stay. With. The. Autobots. They would let him join them? It almost seemed unreal and something he really wasn't expecting. He had killed many of their comrades in battle without mercy and sometimes even with a hint of amusement. And the odd thing was, Starscream was actually considering it.

"You took out some of our nation's best pilots," Keller said, "Men and woman who can't return to their families, but you fought against a leader you served for centuries. You fought with us instead of against us and I'm not saying that you can be fully trusted, no, but we're willing to give you a chance."

"You would serve as Kale's guardian," Prime supplied, "A trial period, if you will."

Starscream was really, really considering the option, but he shook his head. "I am neither a Decepticon nor an Autobot," he said, "but I will still fight the Decepticons if need be, but I will do it on my own."

Neither Keller nor Prime pushed for him to change his mind. Optimus nodded and stepped aside to let him go. As Starscream walked past him, Optimus' optics were drawn to Kale. The man looked disappointed, but remained where he was before getting back to work. He didn't watch as Starscream took a running start towards the end of the base. Leaping into the air he transformed and shot off like a rocket towards the sky. Making a half circle around the base he disappeared into the clouds.

Peyton walked down the hall from ballistics looking down at the match for her potential weapon used in a quadruple homicide. Jeffery wasn't hesitant in giving her the case, like the lab supervisor was, but she knew she could handle it. She was so engrossed in her results she didn't see Carter coming her way until he had her by the arm and was dragging her back the way she came.

"Carter! Wha—What are you doing?"

He didn't answer as he ushered her into an empty evidence room. Shutting the door, locking it, and making sure the blinds were all shut he walked up to her completely straight faced. Peyton was downright confused, but not when he was suddenly kissing her. Her eyes slipped closed and her folder dropped onto the floor as her arms wound around his neck. Hands trailed down her sides and to her hips venturing to the back of her thighs. He quickly lifted her onto the table, her legs wrapping tightly around his waist.

"We're at work," she stated when his lips went to her neck.

"Let's go out today," he said against her skin.

"We've been going out everyday," she laughed lightly, "You're gonna be broke if you don't start letting me pay."

"Not gonna happen," he smiled when he leaned back to look at her, "I just can't get enough of you."

Peyton rolled her eyes at his flirtatious behavior. "We can't be doing this in an evidence room."

"How about a broom closet," he suggested, "I've always wanted to do that."

"No!" she laughed, "I'm not getting frisky with you in a broom closet in the same building as my Godfather."

"Kill-joy..."

"Get over it," she smiled sweetly. Pecking his lips she pushed him back to get off the table. "I have a quadruple to deal with," she said kneeling down and picking up her folder, "And we'll go out all along as we go Dutch, okay?"

But before she left he grabbed her from behind and pulled her back. Placing a kiss on the curve of her neck was his way of saying goodbye. Peyton left first, her hand lingering in his before she left the room making sure no one was around. Carter followed a minute later and went in the opposite direction a grin on his face.

Jazz watched the F-22 streak through the sky overhead, knowing very well that it was Starscream, the enemy that saved his life. Jazz couldn't say that he was thrilled about the event, though he was glad to still be alive since he had only be revived a little more then a day ago, but he didn't like the fact that it was Starscream that had done it. He was filled in on what the mech had done from saving the human Kale to providing helpful information, but that still didn't change the fact that he was a Decepticon. There was nothing that was going to change Jazz's processor about that even with him being his rescuer.

But he was more ashamed of the fact that he froze up in the middle of a battle. He still remembered the look Megatron had when he aimed to kill him not to mention the first time where he actually succeeded. Jazz shuddered, but his face hardened in anger and self-loathing. How could he have done that? How could he have been so pathetic? He was like a deer in headlights and he nearly got killed for his one fear. But that was it. He was absolutely terrified of Megatron and for good reason. The mech ripped him in half! But that didn't quell the shame he felt. He was Optimus Prime's first-lieutenant. He was not allowed the luxury of fear.

Jazz had been playing the avoidance game all day. He didn't want to talk to his comrades or their human allies. He wanted to be alone so he could bask in his self criticism without interruption. Optimus looked like he wanted to talk to him, but one look from the smaller Autobot made him reconsider. It would be a one-sided conversation, of that he was sure. Not even Sideswipe or Cliffjumper, or CJ as he had taken to be called, could lighten his mood now so why bother?

He felt trapped, he felt weak and he couldn't stand to be there anymore so when he did leave, he did it in secret. He didn't want anyone to chase after him. He had no idea where he would go, but he would not stick around here. He needed to be alone to think and everyone reassuring him that it was not his fault wasn't working, but he knew what they really meant.

"It's okay to be scared."

No it was not. He couldn't be scared and yet he was. He had died so it should've been his right to be, right? Maybe, but he didn't think so. As Jazz drove through the gate the human guards looked confused, but they didn't try to stop him, only asked where he was going. Jazz stopped and thought for a minute. Where was he going to go?

"Just tell Optimus I need time to think," he said, "He should understand."

The guard looked a little apprehensive but nodded. "Yes, sir."

Jazz pulled through the gate and took off down the road towards the city. He knew only one thing about his destination; it was going to be no where near the Autobots or the Decepticons.

Jeffery handed a slip of paper to Kelly. "I want you and Grant on this one," he said, "419 at a club on the strip, one dead customer and one dead striper. Detective Chase said the male has a bullet wound to the side of the head the female the front, maybe a murder-suicide, but it looks a little staged."

"You got it," Kelly said as she and Grant left the break room.

"Carter, you got a B&E."

"Are you kidding me?" the man immediately complained, "I've could've worked the 419 by myself."

Jeffery didn't like the tone that the young man had just taken with him. He handed a file over and repeated. "B&E."

Carter rolled his eyes and looked it over. While Jeffery held another file. Peyton bit her bottom lip and shook her head, passing a pleading look between Jeffery and Carter.

"Peyton," Jeffery said, "you're with me on a kidnapping. Same MO as the first two; blonde haired girl, six years old, taken from her room. The first one just turned up in the desert strangled and brutalized."

Peyton's brown eyes continued to plead with Jeffery silently while she tried to make inconspicuous gestures to Carter whose hands had tightened around his file angrily. Jeffery was dense and didn't seem to figure it out. He handed Peyton a file and told her to meet him in the morgue to examine the first victim. Peyton and Carter remained in the break room as the door shut. It was an awkward silence. Peyton hands wringing nervously as Carter continued to seethe.

"So, uh," she began timidly, "What was, uh, stolen?"

"A painting," he bit out, "Just a painting."

"Oh. Was it valuable."

"Couple thousand dollars."

"Carter—"

"You better get to the morgue."

Peyton tried to smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. Jeffery had been giving Carter mediocre cases lately and Peyton had been getting the more exciting ones to say the least. The kidnapping case she was currently on was all the buzz in the media and with the turn up of a body it made it even more pressing to find the suspect and get him off the streets.

"I'll see you after shift?" she asked.

"Not today," Carter looked at her and sent her an unfriendly smile, "I'm going out with some friends from the force."

She wasn't going to pretend it didn't hurt. He had been rather distant with her lately. "Oh. Well, ok. I'll just see you when I see you." She went to kiss him goodbye only to have him turn away. Pausing a moment, she sighed and closed her eyes, lightly pecking his cheek before heading out, trying to ignoring the piercing look he was shooting into her back.

Trent huffed as he tossed another piece of rubble into the back of a truck. Hey, he made himself useful during the battle he could help out with the cleanup. Shelly was laying in the shade by a building watching him from a distance. As soon as it was deemed safe to return to the base Trent couldn't wait to see his dog. She jumped out of the van and ran for him as fast as she could, nearly knocking him down in her excitement. Trent was just happy to be alive and have his dog back. Like Judy Witwicky had done with her son, Miles and Mikaela she immediately went to asking him a bunch of questions like if he was alright. It was weird to have that attention especially since she knew what Trent had done to her son. He could only shake his head in yes or no responses at every question.

Loud footsteps made him shift his attention over his shoulder. Cliffjumper approached, his blue optics on the blonde haired boy covered in dust and sweat. Trent figured out what the look meant and he looked over at Will, who nodded and said, "Take a break." Trent nodded his thanks and grabbed his shirt he had dropped by Shelly. The bruise on his chest from Sam was still there, but it blended in with the other bruises he had gotten during the battle from blown rubble and such. Shelly jumped to her feet and followed immediately, trotting up beside Trent.

"What's up?" Trent asked the mech.

"Nothing."

Trent frowned at the aloof tone CJ was using. "You okay man?"

"I'm fine."

"Do you need me for something?"

"Yeah."

"…"

"…"

"What do you want?"

"You'll see."

Trent didn't like this, but he followed nonetheless. They were nearing the fence when Shelly suddenly barked and ran ahead. "Shelly!" Trent called chasing after her, but as soon as he rounded the corner he froze and an angry voice shouted, "Oh, you gotta be kidding me!"

Mikaela knelt down and gave the dog the attention she wanted. Mojo, who had been in Mikaela's arms, was curious about the larger dog, but opted for staying in Mikaela's arms for safety. Sam and Miles were glaring at Trent with a very familiar hate. Trent didn't like them either, but he tried to get himself to relax. He wasn't gonna fight them or anything. He noted how Bumblebee stood over Sam and Mikaela like Cliffjumper stood over him.

"This was a setup," Trent clarified.

"No, you think?" Sam spat.

"Sam," Bee said with a warning tone.

"Me and Bumblebee decided to play intervention," Cliffjumper explained, "Since you both are gonna be sticking around for a while you need to learn how to get along."

"Hn," Miles rolled his eyes, "Like that'll ever happen."

"It might if you give it a try," CJ suggested.

"Why does he even have to stay here?" Sam asked, arms crossed, "The radiation's probably worn off by now."

Trent didn't say anything. That was true, because Ratchet already filled him in, but where would he go? Home? Did he even have a home anymore? Trent found himself taking a step back. He didn't need to deal with this. He'd just get in his truck and go, but then he remembered. Someone stepped on his truck. He was kind of trapped unless Cliffjumper wanted to give him a ride back Tranquility.

"Because he can't."

"Shut up, CJ," Trent hissed.

Cliffjumper remained quiet, but he looked like he wanted to explain more so Sam and Miles would understand, but it was Mikaela that seemed to understand at least a little. Getting off the ground where she had been petting Shelly and Mojo, she looked at the forlorn look on Trent's face and frowned. "It's you Dad, isn't it?"

Sam's head spun so fast his neck cracked.

Trent looked at his ex-girlfriend and confirmed with one firm nod.

Mikaela nodded as well and looked at Sam. "Call a truce. Just for now. You don't have to like each other, but just be civil. Avoid each other if you have to."

Sam did not look pleased to her defending him. "I can't believe you're taking his side."

"I'm not taking his side Sam," she said fiercely, "Cliffjumper is his guardian, right?"

CJ shifted. "Well, not officially."

"But you will be," Mikaela clarified, "He helped out, Sam. Give it a chance."

Sam looked angry still but he sighed and looked over at Trent. "Fine," he said after a tense moment.

"Shake on it," Bee ordered.

Sam looked ready to protest, but Trent walked forward and when he was close enough stuck out his hand. Sam rolled his eyes and shook it quickly. Trent also offered it to Miles and then Mikaela. Mikaela was a little more friendly about it, but that was Mikaela's nature. Then Trent something that none of them really expected.

"Thank you," he said.

He started walking away, whistling once for Shelly to follow. Cliffjumper pretended to wipe a tear from his optic. "Finally! We are all starting to get along! I thought this day would never come!"

Trent rolled his eyes, but still smiled. Well, they might not be getting along, but maybe they could eventually. Only time would tell.

"I can't believe you think that! I don't tell him to give me those cases! He just gives them to me!"

"Right, so you being his goddaughter has nothing to do with it!"

"No! Of course not!"

"That's such bullshit and you know it!"

"No, it isn't! What do you want me to do? Tell him no? I could compromise my job!"

"Get fired? You're his fuckin' GODDAUGHTER!"

"Stop yelling at me!"

"He wouldn't fire you and you know it! You're just making me look bad!"

"How am I making you look bad? I haven't done anything!"

"I was the best before you showed up…"

"…Is that was this is about? A fucking COMPETITION?"

"It's not a competition!"

"You're sure as hell making it into one! You want the best case fine! I'll transfer to a different shift! How about that? Now, we'll never see each other!"

"Good!"

"W-What?"

"…I gotta go."

"What, no! Don't you dare walk out on me!"

SLAM!

--

"Don't be blue, don't be blue, don't be blue," her mind begged over and over again. She was currently sitting on the edge of the bathtub staring at the small white, plastic stick sitting on the bathroom counter. Her knees bounced nervously as she gnawed on her nails. Her worried, tear filled brown eyes stared at the clock, watching the second hand move a lot slower then it should be. Was it broken? Probably not, but it sure felt like time was dragging. But eventually, time was up and it was ready. She was torn between lunging for it and not looking at it at all and just living in ignorant bliss. Even as she tried to discourage herself from looking she was reaching for it with shaking hands. She pulled it off the counter, keep her hand in a fist, until she finally uncurled it.

Red was the color of passion. It could represent love or hate, lust or rage, but it was not red. It was blue. Blue represented peace and serenity, but it also represented cold and numbness and that's what she felt. Her body was limp as the pregnancy test fell from her fingers. How could this have happened? They used a condom every time hadn't they? She wasn't on birth control, so that's what they relied on, so how could this have—

His birthday.

They both a little too much to drink and they…oh God. How was she going to tell him?

--

"Carter we need to talk."

"I'm done talking."

"…What do you mean?"

"We're done, Peyton."

"No. Don't do this! I-I filled out the transfer papers! I just have to submit them! Just give it a few more—"

"It doesn't matter anymore! I'm tired of you!"

"Carter, listen to me! There's something I need to—"

"SHUT UP!"

Peyton found herself cornered against a wall, Carter seething in her face. She was scared, she was scared big time. Her heart was racing and the hair on the back of her neck was on end. She shut up, just like he wanted her too, because for the first time ever she was afraid he would actually hit her. She could smell alcohol on his mouth he was so close. Did their careers really get to him that much?

"Just shut up," he said more softly, but his words didn't lose their bite, "I'm done with you. Finished. The only reason I have to see you is because of work and that it. Don't talk to me, don't look at me, and God help me if we end up working a case together."

All these words made her hate him, made her cry. She couldn't even look him in the eye as he continued to rip down on her. And when he left and the door slammed shut she let herself go. Sliding down the wall, she silently cried until she worked up enough strength to say what she had wanted, but he was long gone by then.

"I'm pregnant."

--

She was crossing the living room when it hit, excruciating pain erupted in her abdomen, forcing her to the ground, crying out in agony. She had been a little uncomfortable all day, but she had just thought it was cramps or something. Now, she was on the floor withering in pain. He pants felt strangely wet and sticky. Looking down at her hand, as it touched her soaked jeans she was terrified to see her fingers stained with blood. The crotch of her jeans was soaked as the blood moved down her legs staining more of her pants and the carpet beneath her. She didn't have her phone on her. She couldn't reach the phone if she tired. There was a knock at the door, but she couldn't answer it as she started to slip into unconsciousness from a combination or pain and panic, but the door opened. Only two people had the key to her apartment and one she knew would never comeback.

"Jeffery…" she whispered weakly.

She was aware of the sound of something hitting the floor and hurried footsteps as Jeffery called her name over and over and tried to get her out of the slipping trance she was in. And when darkness finally consumed her as Jeffery called 911 the only thing she could think was 'what happened to my baby'? But when she woke up in the hospital and saw the grim look on Jeffery's face the same numb feeling filled her like the day she even found out she was pregnant. It was only then that she realized that she wanted it. She wanted to be a Mom. She wanted it so much, but now she couldn't.

--

It was a piercing sound, the sound of metal burying deep into flesh. Peyton watched in mute horror as Carter dropped to his knees and fell forward. There was stomping series of footsteps, but she ignored that, even as Hound kicked Frenzy away.

"Oh, God, Carter, no!" she cried in desperate denial, "Carter, no! No!"

The disks were deep, very, very deep. Carter seemed to be very aware of it. His breathing was labored, his skin paling. Peyton held him in her lap, her arm behind his head, whispering 'oh God' over and over again like a prayer. Peyton held Carter's hand tightly, him holding on as well. Blood was staining his white button down shirt around the entrance wounds.

"Do something," Peyton begged looking at Jason with helpless, glassy brown eyes, "Help him."

"Peyton," Jason began, his voice soft, "I can't—"

"Don't tell me that!" she cried, "You're a doctor! Do something! Save him!"

"Peyton," Carter interrupted, "D-Don't."

Peyton seemed to realize that Jason was as helpless as she was. She looked down at Carter. There was sweat forming on his brow, running down pale skin. She shook her head, denying what was happening through in her heart she knew. "No," she begged him, "You're going to be fine," she stated, "You're going to be fine. Just hold on okay? We'll get you out of here."

"Peyton," his voice was weak, "I love you."

"No!" she cried, "No, no, no! Don't say that, please! You're not gonna die!"

Carter merely smiled raising his hand to her cheek. "I'm s-sorry."

"No," she whimpered miserably, "Oh, God, don't."

"I'm so proud of you," he said, "I'm honored to know you. I l-love you so…so much..."

Peyton sobbed openly, her eyes shut tightly against the world, hoping and praying that when she opened them again Carter would jump and say 'gotcha', but opening them again led to staring at Carter as he lay dying. Everything in the past just seemed to be so stupid. The petty arguments, the competition, the way they ended their relationship, hell, everything didn't seem to matter anymore. Peyton ran her fingers over his brow and down his cheek, tracing his face, trying to retain every detail. She leaned in, gently brushing her lips against his, still unable to stop the wracking sobs as her tears dropped onto his face.

The hand that had once touched her cheek dropped to the ground. Peyton reopened her eyes, keeping her face centimeters from his. His dark eyes were open, but empty. She leaned back, staring at his fallen hand, willing it back to her cheek, but it was still. She leaned all the way back staring from his feet, up his legs, his hips, his stomach, his chest and finally back to his face wracking her mind for some way to change this. She shook violently, her body going numb. This wasn't happening. This couldn't be happening. This wasn't possible. Every single denial went through her mind, but in the back of her mind it repeated the truth over and over again until it became so loud she couldn't ignore. Carter was dead.

She felt the anger and grief consume her at once. She beat him weakly with her fist in her rage at him for giving up and leaving her, while her eyes were so flooded with tears she couldn't even see. She screamed, loud, piercing the air as she threw herself over him, crying into his neck, clutching his shirt tightly. She kept on screaming even when her voice left her. Jason and Hound were reduced to watching helplessly as the usually strong woman broke into tiny, unfixable pieces. She screamed for him to come back. She screamed for him not to leave her. She screamed that she still loved him over and over, hoping that it would change this, but it never would, she kept screaming anyways.

Peyton was wrapped in a blanket as she stared down at the wooden coffin before her. There was a row of them, but this one was the one that mattered to her. Optimus stood a small distance away, watching her carefully and she knew why. She knew what Jason and Ratchet said about her. She was "unstable" and needed supervision like a patient in a psycho-ward. They were loading the caskets up to be shipped home to the grieving families. She was grieving, even though her face was stoically blank. She just ran out of tears it seemed. Jeffery knew about Carter and he wanted to fly in to see her. She told him he should go to Carter's funeral since she couldn't and he reluctantly agreed. She thought about missing Carter's funeral. She actually didn't feel like she could handle it, but was still rather upset that she had also been denied. Jazz running off was bad enough and Optimus wanted to keep them all together for safety reasons.

She reached out and brushed her fingertips over the fine wood like she was touching the occupant inside. His name was printed delicately on the wood face. She felt something warm slid down her cheek. Brushing it away, she laughed bitterly. Looks like she just broke into her backup reservoir of tears. But these tears were silent as they continued to slide down over and over again like a leaky faucet. She pressed her hand to the casket and spoke in a hoarse voice tired from screaming and crying, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," she whispered. Leaning forward she pressed her forehead to the wood and closed her eyes. "I love you," she whispered again. Lips quickly pressing against the wood she stepped back and turned, walking towards Optimus without looking back as the tears continued to fall.

Optimus knelt down as she reached him. "I'm so sorry, Peyton."

"It's a war," she said her voice monotone, "People die."

Optimus didn't like the look in her eyes, her behavior or anything about the situation. He held out his hand. She wordlessly climbed into it and curled up into a ball, pulling the thicket blanket under her chin and closing her eyes, but he knew she wasn't sleeping. He was just about to take her somewhere quiet for her to rest when the sound of a jet pierced the air as it flew over head. It was an F-22 and as it landed, unlike any other jet could Optimus knew who it was and it seemed Kale did too from the grin that broke out on his face.

Starscream transformed and stood to his true height. "I am not an Autobot," he said, before Optimus could, "But Megatron needs to be destroyed. I do not see a problem with working together until he is."

Optimus just grinned and nodded. Starscream felt someone staring at him and when he turned around, it was Kale. "You missed me, didn't you?" Kale teased.

"Hardly," came the reply, but there was a slight tone of amusement behind it.

"Well, what now?" Sides asked heavily, staring at the row of caskets, "We can't stay here."

"We're getting a base aren't we?" Cliffjumper asked as the rest of the Autobots gathered, "That's what that Keller dude said."

"I think I have a better idea," Optimus said with a secretive grin, "Hound, any chance the Ark is still functional?"

Hound looked surprised for a second, but he also grinned. "I reckon it is. Hasn't been activated in a while, but the transmission receiving equipment should be functional."

"Good," Optimus nodded, "Send the activation code to Cybertron. Let's get it here."

All the humans looked at each other, obviously confused before Miles voiced, "What's the Ark?"

"We're aliens right?" Sides said comically, "What kind of aliens would we be if we didn't have a spaceship?"

Miles grinned a little. "Sweet."

"If I can get it here though, we gotta find a good spot of land it."

Optimus nodded and thought for a minute. No one expected a frail voice from his palm to speak up. "Probably the desert," Peyton said, "Or maybe a mountain range. Some place where no one would find it."

"And you might want to check with the military and the President," Will suggested, "Because if this thing like Independence Day sized then people are going to see it."

"Hound," Optimus said, "As soon as we get a grant from the government I want you to secure a location for landing."

"You got it," the tech said. He looked down at Epps. "How about it, buddy? You wanna go on a road trip?"

"There was no way in Hell I was gonna let you go without me as long we can have a mutual consensus on the music."

"What about Megatron?" Starscream asked, "We should go after him."

"No," Optimus said firmly, "They can no longer risk anymore exposure. Megatron will lay low if only for a while, perhaps enough time to fortify our defenses, but Starscream," he said sternly, "You and Kale shall accompany Agent Simmons and Agent Banchek in tracking them. Once again, Shockwave's technological advances have exceeded our own."

Hound grumbled angrily right there.

Starscream narrowed his eyes at the orders and everyone looked at him, wondering if he would even follow them, but he nodded firmly. Kale released a heavy breath in relief.

"What about the rest of us?" Sam asked, "We've missed a lot of school. We should probably just drop out at this point."

"DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT MISTER!"

"Mom!" Sam protested, "I was kidding!"

"Don't kid about that stuff!" his mother said worriedly, "You need to get ready for college too."

Optimus looked at the teenagers. "You four should resume your schooling, perhaps in a location where you would be readily protected."

Trent bowed his head. Figures he wouldn't go home, but it's not like he could if he wanted to two for more than just his safety. Cliffjumper looked down at him and frowned a little, seeing the saddened look on his face.

"Cliffjumper."

The short mech's head shot up to address his leader. "Yes, sir."

"Seeing that Mr. DeMarco is going to be staying with us for a while I believe that it would be best if you were to be his guardian."

Cliffjumper looked down at Trent as he looked up at him. Trent managed and small grin and shrugged, his agreement unspoken. Cliffjumper nodded as well to Trent and then to Optimus.

Optimus addressed all his soldiers and comrades. "We thought this war would end with the All Spark's destruction, but now we need to protect it now more than ever," he looked down at a certain teenage boy, "Sam, you know what is to be expected of you."

Sam nodded slowly. "Learn how to control my powers, not bringing anymore Decepticons back to life, and staying out of trouble," he laughed a little, "Kinda hard when I'm the one causing the trouble for everyone else."

"We'll protect you, Sam," Bumblebee stated, "We won't let you get taken away again."

"Yeah," Ironhide agreed, "if you want to be more on the safe side it wouldn't be too hard to teach you some methods to defend yourself."

Sam went a little pale. "W-Wha?"

Will grinned a little. "I think that's a great idea Ironhide," he glanced at Sam with a promise of blood, sweat, and tears, "Training begins ASAP."

"Around his schooling," Judy put in.

Sam looked completely helpless, staring at his parents, Will and Ironhide and then finally Optimus his eyes begging for mercy only to hear the words that sealed his fate. "Agreed. Sam with receive defensive training for Ironhide and Captain Lennox."

Sam looked at a darkly grinning Ironhide and Will Lennox. "…I'm doomed."

Optimus chuckled at the boy's overdramatic response. He cast a look down into his hands, were Peyton was still laying completely still her eyes closed. He was surprised she put in her thoughts considering it had been hard to get her to talk for the past twenty-four hours. Feeling another pair of optics on him he looked at Ratchet. The medic's optics were narrowed, stern and he nodded once. Optimus took the hint and started to wander away from the group with Peyton. Ratchet was probably none too thrilled that his patient was even out and about with her injuries and emotional and mental instability. Peyton's eyes slowly slipped open when Optimus started walking. She didn't feel peering out of his hands to see where they were going so she didn't.

"Where we going?" she asked softly.

"Someplace where you can rest. Your injuries need much more time."

"Ok."

Optimus had been honestly expecting an argument. What he was expecting was for her to say, "what? No! I'm fine!" but she didn't. Her eyes slipped closed again until they reached the single room-barrack that Peyton had been offered. Setting the woman down, he watched as she shuffled towards the door. As she was reaching for the doorknob she suddenly paused. She turned slowly, with much hesitance. She faced the much taller mech, but she didn't look up at him, even as she whispered her question.

"Can you stay with me? Just for a little while? It's okay if you can't, if got like work to do or something. I just…" she sighed, "I just don't…"

Optimus' eyes softened considerably and a little smile twitched at his mouth plates. He transformed, almost in a single fluid motion. His MHG exited the truck. Peyton couldn't raise her eyes to look at him in this form either. He strode forward and gently placed his hands on her shoulders, not to hurt her. Slowly, she looked up with him, the beginnings of tears in her eyes again.

"I will stay as long as you want me to."

Peyton actually smiled. It was sad and heartbroken, but it was a thankful smile nonetheless. The two went into the room. Peyton lay under the covers and for awhile she fought sleep. It was probably Optimus' hand running through her hair that lulled her to sleep. His spark was aching for his partner. He had failed to protect her, even in this case. He should've known that Soundwave would've sent his drones. He should've known about Frenzy. He looked down at Peyton, her hand clenched in the sheets her face contorted in a frown in her sleep. Occasionally, a single tear would slip out and he would brush it away. As he watched her and just before he left he wondered if taking a human contact was a good idea. When he left the room, shutting the door behind himself quietly, not to wake the occupant he could only ask himself;

"What have I done?"

Megatron refused to be seen by their acting medic, Shockwave, even as Vortex pleaded for him see to his injuries, like a loyal soldier. He had failed again, even with his newest underlings Thundercracker and Soundwave. Frenzy was once again on the brink of death after he killed a human male, apparently close to one of the Autobot's pets. He growled. Those foolish Autobots; taking on humans as their allies and friends. They would do nothing, but hold them back in the end. They were fragile, weak and a waste of space. He wanted them all destroyed. He remembered seeing the look in his rival's optics just before the Decepticons were forced into a retreat. Optimus Prime had always been able and ready to kill when deemed necessary though many knew that he prefer negotiations rather than violence. That's what made him a weak leader.

But yesterday…Megatron had never seen Optimus look so set on destruction before. He would never admit it, but it sent a chill through his spark.

Megatron growled again, clenching his claws into fists in the dark. He knew their weaknesses. Those humans were important to them. They would sacrifice much for their wellbeing, but in turn, it seemed to give them strength. It was absolutely ridiculous. Humans were useless! How could they provide strength to them! If possible, Megatron hated the humans more. Disgusting creatures. They would all share the same fate as the Autobots. Their contacts may seemed to provide strength to the Autobots, but they also provided prime targets for extortion and if Megatron wanted to gain the upper hand in this war once again, he knew exactly what he had to do. And in the end, with all the Autobots destroyed, there would be nothing to stand in his way of getting his All Spark back, for the greatest strength to the Autobots seemed to have, was also their greatest weakness.

So that's the last full chapter. Next is the epilogue, which isn't even half as long as this haha! I hope no one got confused on how I went back and forther between flashbacks of Peyton and Carter to the real issues taking place. So there are a lot of unresolved issues. You'll just have to see what happens in Of Sparks and Hearts, which should be arriving within 2008. Thanks for reading!

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