Author's Notes: Thanks for the reviews and I am now on live journal ! Yes, get the insights behind chapters and ideas and my conversations with Prowl and the other Transformers or just read long boring author notes not able to fit in here. I am listed there as hummergrey. Pretty much my standard id for all online life.
Rule #185 is based on fan requests to explain the "no waking Mikeala up" rule mentioned before in general. Hope it is what you wanted and expected.
Sorry if the story arc last chapter shocked some readers expecting only light and fluffy stuff. This arc chapter is the darkest as it is a war battle. Onward to surviving and being the one to live and learn.
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WL Rule# 10 Do not underestimate a wife or girlfriend's strength or temper just because they seem nice when around us. And remember to warn the Transformers! They think their vast knowledge and handling the femmes of their race equips them to handle ours. Don't let them get killed because of that.
185. Do not interfere in human relationships however close we are to both the mech and the femme. Their emotions cannot merge like a spark to heal and sync processors.
The Autobot's day shift began coming out of recharge, sliding off their bunks and uploading data updates from the mainframe. Each stretched their own unique way, testing movement. One stiff gear could make the difference between joining those online and joining the matrix. In the main complex, the corvette twins began their day, Sunstreaker automatically turning to his full length mirror wall. "Where are our bumpers?"
"Bumpers?" Sideswipe glanced over at the smooth metal wall, noticing his reflection was missing the front and rear bumpers. "They pranked us!"
"Whose they?"
"Any bot or human we pranked recently bro," Sideswipe reasoned.
Sunstreaker grinned. "That's pretty much the whole base. Though Prime was last." A quick search confirmed the bumpers were nowhere in their quarters or by the doorway. No messages waited in their personal in boxes or on the Autobot only comm lines. "Human then and our favorite couple is the number one suspect."
"Bumblebee's last report said they have been fighting. He's worried about them being a couple. You know what that means?"
"Betting pool on when they split and who they team with next? 5,000 credits say Ratchet and Mikeala. Hey!" Sunstreaker yelped as his twin slapped the back of his helm hard.
"Don't get perverted on me! We're twins and I do not want that in my processors! Human and mech? Yeech. No more late night internet fiction stories for you!" The silver mech groused, sheathing and unsheathing his swords to check readiness. "Let's go."
They entered the main hangar, receiving startled looks as humans noticed the missing bumpers and empty brackets.
"You get bumped off?" Major Will Lennox joked from his console on the main platform.
"Bumped into trouble twins?" Mikeala smiled sweetly, her elevated heartbeat giving away her part in the prank. Her long dark hair was pulled into a ponytail, the white med coat in place for the morning recruit review.
"Things do go bump in the night," Sam added. "Changes happen." He half glared at Mikeala, deliberately turning his back on her. His shirt and jeans were rumpled, evidence he had spent the night riding with Bumblebee across the mainland in his unhappiness. The yellow scout was nowhere to be seen, his energy signature stable in the Autobot quarters.
::I think Sam and Mikeala need to be closer:: Sideswipe
::And tomorrow is a new day. First things first:: Sunstreaker
"Where are our bumpers?" Sideswipe asked.
"Didn't you notice the big pink bows by the main gates in the support of cancer awareness month? Metal tie painted bright pink? All donated for a good cause," Mikeala smirked as she left alongside Ratchet.
Near midnight, the twins stopped outside the human guest quarters, transforming down into their corvette alt modes. Sideswipe pulled into himself, focusing the energy transmitter into his hologram form, solidifying it. The tall muscular human looking shape opened the door slowly before stopping in front of Mikeala's guest room. He gripped the metal can, releasing the spray under the door gap. His hearing confirmed Mikeala's breathing slow as the sleeping gas took effect. Entering noiselessly, he pulled the blankets back, grabbing her silk nightgown, pulling her form up. RRIIIPPPP! He clutched the pink silk piece in his hand, her body dropping back to the bed with the rest.
::Would you hurry it up! We're about to have company:: Sunstreaker sent, detecting the other Autobots making the rounds of their night patrol.
"Frag it," he swore, grabbing her form into his arms, ignoring the material as it slid off, leaving Mikeala naked. Outside, her skin was pink and picture perfect under the moonlight. The mechs stared at her body.
"She's…ugly! Smooth flat skin, rounded shapes. Hideous," he shuddered, barely able to hold her as he approached his twin's alt mode.
"No lines or raised plates to grab or caress, ugh. Worse looking race yet," Sunstreaker moaned, turning his optics away. "Load her in my trunk and get this over with. I have to drink energon later and her squishy shape is the last image I need before that." He loaded her then collapsed the hologram. Both corvettes drove off before Jazz and Jolt noticed.
::Sam is in Ironhide's room::Sunstreaker
::Why there and not the human quarters?:: Sideswipe
His twin vented softly. ::Bumblebee sleeps in the bunk on the far wall when Chromia is not there. When Chromia is, he has the small spare room at the end of the hall. The one next to the human road and all their noise. He's a scout and the noise interrupts his recharge cycle. Sam sleeps on Bumblebee's bunk in Ironhide's room when he can or by Bumblebee. It's a human feel safe with big mech guarding thing I guess:: Sunstreaker
::Isn't Bumblebee a little old to be sharing rooms with other mechs?:: Sideswipe asked, transforming to remove Mikeala from the other's trunk.
::Old enough to have nightmares from being held and tortured. And scouts see it all, you know that. Remember trying to prank Hound? Blasted you within five qualms of distance when no other mech would even have known we were there or reacted. Name one scout that always sleeps alone in a room by himself or herself and not shares the space? However hazardous to the other occupant it might be?:: Sunstreaker reminded, running an ultra violet sanitizing light through his empty trunk before transforming.
::Good point. Glad I'm a fighter. Remove Sam's clothes?:: Sideswipe asked before his twin violently shook his head a negative.
Sunstreaker released his canister above the youth, Sam's heartbeat slowing. "Put her down already before I gag," he said, holding the blankets back. She was dropped beside him, head and arm positioned to lie on his chest.
"A joor and the fun begins," Sideswipe held his red armored hands out, triggering an ultra violet sanitizing light across them. "I need the wash racks after this."
When morning came, Jolt was sent to find Mikeala and bring her to med bay for training. Ratchet had called her cell phone and guest quarters repeatedly without a response.
::Femme is missing. Clothing is here but ripped. Power signature echo is Autobot but not definable. No sign of struggle or injury:: Jolt
::Check Ironhide's room, she might be with Sam. If not, ask the boy but do not alert him to the situation. I'll contact Prime and Prowl:: Ratchet
Jolt triggered his energy bends, blue electrical current covering the metal fingers without triggering the full energy whip. The walk between the human quarters and their private area had him edgy. He cared for Mikeala and promised dire vengeance if she was missing even a strand of her long dark hair.
::Ratchet, prep med-bay:: Jolt relayed, passion in his mental tone.
::How bad are her injuries? What happened? Online enough to move or do you need me there? Do you need backup?: Ratchet fired the questions off rapidly, his distress evident.
::She's fine. Heartbeat detected with Sam's in Ironhide's room. Major twins are here and too close to the humans to attack but their chassis are mine:: Jolt fumed.
What happened next would be replayed multiple times to the delight of the other Autobots even though the sequence was never completely understood. Sideswipe and Sunstreaker blared their car horns, laughing as both humans came instantly awake.
"Huh, what? Arrggh!" Sam screamed as he realized Mikeala was next to him and naked. He scrambled backwards across the large recharge berth, confused and disorientated.
Her eyes opened, hands fumbling as she saw the twins. It was Chromia's and Ironhide's room and it was their bed. Any weaponry or armor they removed and left was their choice. Mikeala reached over her head and felt a large sphere. Throwing it, she searched for anything else to grab.
Sunstreaker's armor should have protected him against the explosive charge. Except for the gap in his center plates. Ratchet had threatened to weld his aft to the wall to retool the fitting and he had steadily avoided the medic, not wanting to take the time to have his paint scrapped down to its base, layered and repainted.
Sunstreaker's defensive systems registered the sphere as it approached, screaming directional warnings. He took one step back, colliding with Sideswipe as the charge detonated, amplifying the effect to them both. Jolt flattened against the wall, balancing on one foot as their seizing forms hit the floor and thrashed around. Optimus, Ratchet and Ironhide burst through the main doors sliding to a stop. Mikeala, wrapped in Sam's blanket, one shoulder uncovered, stomped out swearing while Sam peeked around the doorframe, keeping his distance from her.
"Slagging, thick processors, chipped logic circuit, slow aft! Wake me will you!" She screamed, kicking at the nearest downed mech. "Last vorns factory reject, glitched out, baseline, pit spawned excuse of a sparkling!"
::Sounds like you Ratchet:: Ironhide sent as they laughed.
The twins were brigged and Prowl made rule 85. Do not attempt to awaken a human, especially one that is tired from previous battles, by: # R. If Mikeala Banes - Do not disturb. Let Sam Witwicky or Optimus Prime make the attempt. They are more likely to be allowed to continue to function once said femme is awake.
Mikeala and Sam laughed at the prank at lunch, making up to the relief of Bumblebee and the others.
WL Rule# 11 Just because we understand the Transformers and think they are wicked cool doesn't mean everyone else will. Forget secrecy and national security, they deal with enough without screaming fan girls, conspiracy theorists and the media wanting to prove they exist and why they should return Elvis and Bigfoot.
173. Do not assume human command structure is based on skill, logic and dependability. Even the Decepticon system for determining assignments is better than the humans.
The Autobots intently listed as Optimus finished their latest battle review, signaling for his second in command to close out the meeting. Prowl raised his white armored hand for emphasis. "Before I dismiss you, I have correlated relevant information in regards to assigned personnel."
"Speak English dude!" Skids stated then rocked with his brother's punch.
"Tha' be English!" Mudflap answered, hopping over his kick then subsiding as Arcee targeted them with her weapons.
"Explain please," Optimus said, silently sending Arcee thanks.
Prowl's wing doors were arched behind his head and shoulders in frustration, "I was asked to assist in determining personnel qualifications to assist in Mr. Frank's mental recovery. There were five inspectors at his office that could have been sent here. The first candidate was denied based on security risk evaluation. He volunteers off duty hours with troubled youth and speaks on their behalf in legal matters, directing them to assistance they require."
"He was rejected for being helpful?" Ironhide asked.
"The youth he assists are of dubious morals and our existence is locked under the highest level security. Second choice has a mate and three younglings. He was unavailable for the traveling scheduled requirements due to sports coaching and previous family commitments. Third is active in human arts. Plays piano and harp as well as writes poetry and oil paints. An art exhibit and charity concert corresponded with our inspection dates, ruling out his classification."
"Mr. Franks was creative," Sideswipe snickered.
"I'll say!" Sunstreaker added. "Screamed nine different ways."
"Mr. Franks had no security issues, nor time conflicts, or family commitments. Mr. Galloway also recommended him for a service award, denied last year," Prowl continued.
"So the least normal the personnel are the more likely they are to be sent here?"
"In a relative manner," Prowl half stated, rubbing the back of his black helm with one armored hand.
"Relative as in the more…" Major Will Lennox began.
"Abnormal," Hound started.
"Perverted," Jolt continued.
"Oddball," Skids added.
"Twisted," Mudflap said.
"They are more likely," Prowl tried to resume control of the conversation.
"Probable," Ratchet interrupted.
"Credible," Lydia DeMarco added.
"Expected," Will Lennox said, looking up at the black mech grinning over him.
"Sure fire," Ironhide waved his cannons.
"Assured," Epps continued.
"Guaranteed to be sent here," Optimus finished, his shoulder plates sagging.
*What about humans helpful before?* Bumblebee texted onto the monitors.
"Maggie directs her own team of counter cyber terrorists. Their work in programming enables our crypto field gear for NEST teams." Prowl flashed up her current security ID badge.
"Glen is engaged to be spark mated and directing a reality TV adventure series. In the top ten of the human shows last season. " Clips from his commercials played before the screen darkened.
"Director Keller resigned when his views conflicted with the current administration over domestic policy. He travels the country on a speaking tour and is writing a memoir. " His book signing contact flashed up.
"Banachek?" Will asked.
"He changed to the private sector following the disbanding of Sector Seven and heads a private security agency for visiting dignitaries in Washington, D.C. Contacted but expressed no interest in teaming with military operations."
"Full disclosure is another hurdle," Prowl stated. "The fourth choice is spark mated and active in his community but refused the assignment. The mentioning of our weaponry, size and age is intimidating to the humans. As well as the forty-nine pages of medical and mental health waivers and disclosures that they are required to read and sign."
"How many pages?" Epps blinked.
"Forty-nine to list review of safety procedures and our record in destruction of earth vehicles is a hindrance," the black and white mech curled his lip plates down. "While open combat is prohibited to any inspector, our on base activities are intimidating," he trailed off as those assembled looked sheepish or guilty. The major twins exchanged a look, yellow and red hands waving at each other.
::Change the disclosure but slightly:: Optimus linked into their bond.
::How do you always know?:: Sunstreaker
::Thousands of years of experience with you two and I was a youngling and mischievous once myself:: Optimus
::Like you ever did anything Prime:: Sideswipe
::Give me one proof:: Sunstreaker
::I once bet Ironhide the next femme that I did not know who walked into the command center I would tell how beautiful her optics were:: Optimus
::And?:: Sunstreaker
::A rose colored femme walked in, named Elita and you know the rest:: Optimus sent before closing down the link. 'Her optics are still beautiful,' he thought.
Story Arc – "Finding who you are" (part four)
Review: Silverblade is seeing the moon station attack through Prowl's memories to learn what really happened there. **INTENSE BATTLE SEQUENCES / CHARACTER DEATHS **
The weapon flashes nearly blinded his optics but Prowl was still thinking and recording. 'Megatron is inexperienced. He made the same mistake. Too many mechs in too small a space with only standard weapons. He's learning. Wants the technology in the mainframe.'
The shock trooper in front of him crumbled, even his multi-layering armor slagging under the combined energy blasts. The form tilted, creating a gap. Prowl screamed as the laser sliced into his side, gouging through delicate wiring and system links. Power rerouted to emergency repairs, taking down his shoulder cannon. The other shock trooper fell his direction as a seeker blast wiped away the trooper's face. Pinned in, Prowl could see the Decepticon seeker targeting him.
'No time to avoid,' he processed frantically, raising both arms to cover his spark. The blast slammed him down, medical alerts flashing across his optics. Rolling up on the trooper's downed chassis, he felt the pain in his chest as the lights dimmed. "We're losing. Trapped between them. Weapons down, repair systems unable to compensate. Outbound signals still blocked. Prime?" He sruggled to raise up as blue energon dripped off his white fingers.
Megatron was holding Prime Mechner in his claws, the mech badly injured. Prowl's optics dimmed then focused as power rerouted again under his direct control. "Must not offline. One blast, just one blast."
Megatron snarled, nearly touching the Prime's face, "I take what I want." The matrix of leadership was pulled out from his chest, tossed to Soundwave. His silver blue hands caught it, holding it well away from his square chassis.
Mechner's spark chamber was exposed, its bright blue light pulsing. Megatron reached, fingers sinking into to the light as the Prime's entire body seized. The light flared then crawled up the silver fingers, sinking through the armor.
"No, he's draining the spark," Prowl realized weakly, trying to crawl forward. Nannites repaired the connection, allowing his system to recharge one blast. But only one. His logic center went into overdrive. "Mechner or the Matrix. Mechner is suffering and Megatron's armor is too strong. The matrix cannot be taken. He's a Prime I must help him. I swore an oath to defend all life and Megatron will not stop here. I serve Cybertron and the Primes. The matrix is power of the Allspark and thousands of years of history and knowledge Megatron cannot access. His spark is draining, adding to Megatron's strength. Which do I choose? Primus forgive me." Prowl chose.
A ball of yellow light blasted out from his weapon, shattering the matrix in Soundwave's hands. The mech screamed, falling backwards as half his chest melted causing him to crash into Megatron. Mechner was dropped as the mechs fell entangled to the deck in a smoking heap. His bright red square red helm bounced on the deck before his optics went dark as the chassis sagged onto the energon soaked metal deck.
Megatron struggled to his feet, screaming in rage until the floor rocked as the entire structure shook. "The failsafe," Prowl realized in horror. The autobot warship was firing on the station per its pre programmed settings.
"Decepticons, transfer to deck nine. We must get what we came for! Leave survivors to spread our victory and their defeat," Megatron ordered. Prowl watched the Constructicon blasting bodies stop at the trooper next to his to obey the order. He would survive for a little while longer. The lights dimmed as his repair systems took over.
In the autobot med bay, Prowl closed the connection, drawing himself and Silverblade out of the past and back to their present day. The wrist port connection cables undid as her optics went wide.
Silverblade backed up rapidly. "Prime Mechner? He killed my friends," she whispered.
Prowl nodded, retracting the connection cables into his wrist. "Had you been there, you would have been offlined. Your friends never knew, attending to their consoles. Prime Mechner saw and felt his end, knowing he had failed for the first time, in his last battle." Prowl watched her shudder, falling to her knee plates. Gently, he kneeled and wrapped both arms around her, holding tight and murmuring reassurances as his family had done to him all those vorns ago.
He vented softly, remembering the endless meetings, the comm calls discussing what had happened and how to keep it hidden from the public. 'All that time my logic processor was damaged, my own systems resetting the coding to keep my functioning without recharge or external repair. Wasn't until that senate fool asked his question that the logic glitch activated, temporarily offlining me. Then I had medics and recharge time in plenty. Only it was too late,' he vented, rubbing his white helm before returning to comfort her. "The coding was too damaged, too buried to fix. Now anything too illogical and I temporarily offline in full stasis lock."
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Author's Notes: Yes, Megatron drains sparks of those he offlines to steal their life force. It is canon history but not mentioned that often. Jazz and smaller mechs he rips apart to destroy their spark. Those he truly hates like Optimus he shatters and destroys into pieces. The stolen energy helps power his weapons and why he is so hard to defeat.
