Author's note. Does anyone have any ideas about what Megatron's human holoform could look like? I know it's a little cliché but I figure that kind of technology isn't beyond them especially as they can give the kids those clothes. And in fact we do see holo-projections in the first episode.
Suggestions are welcome, thanks to everyone who has reviewed.
Enjoy and please review.
Optimus heard him before he saw him.
"Why do I have to check up on Prime?" the annoyed helicopter muttered to himself. "Why couldn't Starscream do it? Or one of the Minicons, that would have made more sense. I was in the middle of something important, this is stupid."
Optimus lifted his head as Cyclonus appeared in front of his cell. The Decepticon narrowed his optics as he surveyed the Autobot leader.
"Pft, you're going nowhere," he declared, about to turn when Optimus.
"Where are Megatron and the kids?"
"Why do you want to know?" Cyclonus asked suspiciously.
"Megatron was not in a good mood last time I saw him," Optimus told him calmly. "I want to know how he and the kids are doing."
"They're fine," Cyclonus said unconcernedly. "Megatron takes good care of them."
"Sure he does," Optimus said a sarcastic edge to his tone.
"Hey!" the helicopter exclaimed angrily. "For your information, lord Megatron has graciously taken those little punks down to Earth for the day, what do you say to that?"
"He's taken them to Earth?" the Autobot leader repeated in surprise.
"Yeah," the Decepticon flier stated smugly. "Megatron treats them good."
"Hmm," Optimus mused making Cyclonus scowl. Before he could say anything angry, Optimus stated.
"Megatron does appear to be learning but he can't keep them forever."
"Why not?" Cyclonus asked blandly.
"Because they belong with their creators," Optimus told him sternly.
"Well...," Cyclonus began before he suddenly stopped. A strange expression crossed his face, one of confusion and disbelief. For a moment he simply stood there and then he pitched forward, landing heavily on the floor, face first.
"What?" Optimus exclaimed in confusion, he'd heard that Cyclonus liked to take random naps but this was a bit much.
He tried to move but his shackles prevented him from doing so. As he made a noise a frustration, a shadow loomed abruptly over the fallen Decepticon. He stepped into the light revealing himself to be a masked, horned Mech who did not appear to wear any insignia. It was hard not to tense at the sight of this stranger who had just knocked out Cyclonus.
"Optimus Prime," the stranger began. "I'm here to set you free."
Optimus stared at him before asking. "Who sent you?"
"Your men," was the reply. "Come on, we don't have much time."
To say the least, Optimus was rather amazed at this turn of events but as the strange Mech freed him, he wasn't about to complain. Once he was freed, he stood up and stretched his limbs, no point in falling over when they made their escape.
"Let's get going," the Mech ordered and side stepping Cyclonus, they headed out of the brig.
"Typical," Optimus grumbled to himself, earning a look from his rescuer.
"Megatron has taken the children to Earth," Optimus explained. "We might have had a chance of rescuing them as well otherwise."
He assumed this mech had been told about Rad, Carlos and Alexis.
"Yeah," the Mech said quietly. "But my priority is getting you out; there'll be another chance to rescue those kids another day."
"Mmm," Optimus agreed, he knew it was the truth but he was still disappointed. If he and the other Autobots turned up wherever Megatron was, all the warlord had to do was grab the kids and they'd be helpless. No, Optimus thought it was better to allow the kids a day out with Megatron than ruin it for them.
"How long will Cyclonus be out for?" Optimus questioned.
"Long enough," was the reply.
The Autobot leader nodded, wondering if anyone would notice Cyclonus was missing or if Cyclonus would sleep until Megatron returned. Passing by a window, they saw Starscream practising his sword play, his back was to them but he seemed too engrossed to notice anyway. There was no sign of Demolisher or Scavenger, and they continued unimpeded along the various corridors.
When Optimus glanced back at one point, he saw Scavenger staring at him in mild surprise. The Autobot leader offered him a nod which the older Mech returned. The old bot had just come round a corner but didn't move as Optimus continued on his way. The Autobot leader had to admit this was perhaps the easiest escape he'd ever had, thanks in part to the low number of soldiers in this base. Even the Minicons seemed to be elsewhere and they arrived at the Warp gate at a calm pace.
"Be a while until they know you're gone," Sideways mused as he headed for the control panel. "By then, you'll be safely back with your men."
"Mm," Optimus agreed, glancing backwards but seeing no sign of any pursuit.
He was indeed escaping with ease, the only question was, how would Megatron react to this?
….
"He's escaped!"
Megatron's mouth tightened and his optics flashed at this news and for a moment, could only feel rage at this news. But as the children continued to play completely oblivious, he felt himself calming down. While it was annoying that Optimus had gotten away, capturing him in the first place had still been a victory. He'd gained a few Minicons and undoubtedly the Autobots would have been shaken up by the whole experience.
No, he was not going to get angry over this, it was a minor setback but in the long run, he would still consider it a victory. Besides, he still had his little pets and he knew Optimus would have preferred they escaped instead of him. Their next fight should be very interesting.
"Never mind Demolisher," Megatron replied calmly. "We scored a hit against the Autobots, let's see if their capable of returning it."
He chuckled at the very thought that the Autobots could ever capture him.
"Uh, okay sir," Demolisher said, sounding decidedly unsure. "Do you have any orders?"
"Just continue with your duties," Megatron told him before adding. "If for any reason, the Autobots decide to call, then take it. Optimus might try to negotiate for the children's release, I want to know what he has to say."
"Yes sir," Demolisher said as Megatron mused. "Perhaps he won't call but you have my permission to take it if he does."
"I will sir," his solider promised before disconnecting.
"Hey Megatron!" a voice called and the Decepticon leader glanced down to see the soaking wet children standing before him.
He smiled before saying. "Yes children?"
"Did you bring along anything we could eat?" Carlos asked, placing his arms behind his head in a casual gesture.
"Do you know, I think I forgot," he said and they all groaned in disappointment.
"I don't believe it," Carlos explained as Alexis looked reprovingly at him.
He held a serious expression for a moment before bursting into laughter.
"What's so funny?" Rad demanded.
"Your expressions," he chuckled. "They were priceless."
Before they could get mad at him, he withdrew several items from sub space and placed them on his palm. Carefully offering them to the children, he said.
"See what I've got for you."
"Whoa!" they gasped as they examined the items which included a packet of burgers, sausages, sesame topped buns, slices of cheese, various condiments and cold cans of fizzy drinks.
"This is great," Rad exclaimed, it had been ages since they'd had proper food like this.
"I know but how will we cook it?" Alexis questioned even as her eye shined with delight.
"I brought some equipment," Megatron said reassuringly, bringing more items out to allow them to barbeque their food. When he'd been researching the best place to take the children, he'd also looked up the kind of things humans did on tropical islands. So he as fully prepared and could sit back and watch the children play.
Watching them set up their barbeque was exceedingly amusing, especially when it came to lighting the wood beneath. But the kids were so overjoyed to be getting some proper food that they didn't care if it took a while to get things going. Soon enough, the meat were sizzling on their grill and the kids were sitting on the sand watching it.
"Man, that smells so good," sighed Carlos, breathing in deep.
"Oh yeah," Rad agreed, opening one of his cans with a hiss of escaping gas. He took a swig and a moment later, sneezed as the bubbles went up his nose. His friends just giggled at his predicament.
"I'd forgotten about that," Rad coughed, rubbing at his nose before managing to take another gulp of fizzy.
"That always happens to you," teased Alexis, peering over at their meat as it sizzled and spat its juices onto the fire below.
"Yeah," Rad agreed, glancing at the fire. "How's the meat cooking?"
"I don't think it'll be too long," she assured him, she knew the boys must be as hungry as she was feeling.
With a metal skewer, she poked at one of the burgers, watching more juice run out of it, indicating that it was still cooking. She smiled, it was really nice to be making food like this again, it was yet another thing she'd missed doing while being a prisoner of Megatron. It was a shame this barbeque wasn't suitable for baking cakes, now that was something she really wanted to do when she got home, among other things.
A nice big rich chocolate cake, sandwiched with rich raspberry jam and smothered in chocolate frosting and topped with glace cherries. She did like to eat healthily but it was always good to treat yourself and she fully intended to do just that once they were either rescued or released. Until then, she was going to savour every bite of this dinner.
…
"Did you enjoy that, my dears?" Megatron asked with a smirk as the children relaxed on the sand, drinking their cans and finishing the last bits of burger and sausage.
"Did we ever, it was awesome," Carlos declared with satisfaction, brushing crumbs from his chest. "We should totally do this more often."
Megatron just smiled, pleased they'd enjoyed themselves so much. He'd allow them to stay a bit longer, perhaps until the sun started to set. That would allow them time to relax and digest their meal before playing for a while more.
As the children lay half asleep on the soft, warm sand, Megatron began to ponder. He remembered how Prime had scolded him for keeping the children away from their creators, as if he had any right to do so. But he couldn't help but about how the humans had been searching for these children. It was something of a shame that they were wasting resources when they had no hope of ever finding them.
So he decided he would call that human he'd communicated with before, explain to him the situation without actually letting him know what he was.
Even though he was not on his base, it was still a simple matter to set up a connection after speaking to Starscream back at the base who helped him tap into a satellite. Soon enough, he received a reply.
"Detective Carling."
"Hello Detective," Megatron said with a smile and he heard an oath which made him smile even more.
"So," Carling said coolly. "It's been a while since we last talked."
He felt incredibly angry but held his temper. If this…man wanted to speak, then he most definitely wanted to listen. Even if he really wished he could give him a piece of his mind.
"Yes, I believe so," was the unconcerned reply. "I thought I would let you know how the children were doing."
"Did you?" Carling thought sarcastically to himself but said aloud. "How are they?"
"Very well, they have had a fun day out," the wretched kidnapper said conversationally. "They are currently resting, they've worn themselves out running around."
"I'm glad to hear it," Carling said in a neutral tone. How nice of their kidnapper to let them have some fun, it made up for all the pain and stress they'd been put through.
"By the way," the man's voice continued. "I have noticed that you are rather persistent in searching for the children. But as admirable as your determination is, it is also ultimately useless. You will never find them and you waste time and resources fruitlessly searching when these assists would be much better used towards other endeavours."
Before Carling's could voice his outrage, the man added.
"No doubt I am wasting my time in telling you this and you will continue looking for them but you should know it distresses the children knowing you're searching needlessly. As I said, you'd be much better off calling off the search."
"I won't call off the search until those kids are back safe and sound," David Carling declared hotly. "You say we'll never find you, that you're apparently so well hidden that it's impossible to discover your hideout? Just why should we believe you, you think other kidnappers haven't said the exact same thing?"
"I'm sure they have," the man said idly. "But they are not me."
He chuckled in such a self confident, arrogant way that set the detective's blood boiling.
"I suppose I should probably demonstrate just why you will never succeed," the man suddenly said. "Perhaps you would like to meet up?"
"I would love to," Carling said instantly. "But how long will it take you to get here?"
The man laughed outright at this, making the detective scowl again.
"Still trying to work out where I am?" the man said with a chuckle. "Afraid it wouldn't do you much good, if I wanted, I could be with you in...oh...five minutes."
"You're that close?" Carling asked in disbelief, unable to stop himself from going to the window and peering out in case there were any suspicious vehicles about.
"Oh no, I'm quite far away," the man replied in a maddening tone. "But like I said, I could be there if I wanted."
"I suppose you can teleport?" Carling scoffed, damn the man's arrogance. It was clear he was playing a game but Carling couldn't refuse a meeting if he truly was offering one.
"Oh you'll see soon enough," the man chuckled again making Carling grimace but he held his temper.
"So how do you want to do this?" he questioned. "You got a time and place in mind?"
"Hmm," the man replied thoughtfully. "I'm a little preoccupied right now but shall we say….tonight? By the Struck Rock formation?"
Megatron had learned the names of a few landmarks around the area they'd first discovered the Minicons. He knew this particular place was not only deserted but very open, meaning it would be harder for anyone to try and trap him. Not that he could but he couldn't be bothered with humans attempting to detain him.
"Alright, I can do that," Carling replied as the other man said. "You might as well bring their parents too."
"What?" Carling exclaimed. "Bring them?"
"Why not?" was the reply he received.
"I dunno," Carling said slowly. "I can't risk civilians….."
"What is the risk?" was the calm response.
"Well…," Carling began only to scowl as a chuckle was heard over the line.
"I have no interest in either harming them or forcing them to come with me," he stated, still chuckling. "You may take them along, I might even provide them with images of their children."
"How generous," the tired detective snapped sarcastically.
"Yes," the kidnapped agreed smugly. "Well?"
"I'll talk it over with them," Carling said. "If they wish to meet you, I won't stop them."
"Very good," the man said.
"What about eight or nine pm?" Carling now asked briskly, wondering which one the man he'd been searching for would chose.
There was a pause and then.
"I can arrive at eight," he finally said. "Be there."
"I will be," Carling promised, he would not miss this for the world.
Author's note. Megatron meets Detective Carling and the kids' parents but how does that go? Find out next time, until then.