27: The Adventures of Little Riley!
Chapter 27 - Con Job
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Transformers Prime or the franchise. All characters (except Riley/Raina) belong to Hasbro.
::Hello:: - Bumblebee Talking
"Hello" - Normal Talking
'Hello' - Thoughts
*Hello* - Cybertronian Talking
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Bulkhead exited the halls and into the main area. Miko and Raina sat on his right shoulder, relaxed now that the chores were done.
"I still can't believe we come here to hang with you guys, yet we get stuck with chores!" Raina exclaimed jokingly.
"Well now they're done! Now can we take Raina for her first dune bashing?" Miko asked Bulkhead excitingly.
"I don't know Miko. Last time, I spent a week picking sand out of my articulators." Bulkhead replied.
Miko looked down in disappointment while Raina was thanking the lords she didn't have to do that.
"Uh, but, there's a monster-truck rally in town." Bulkhead offered. Miko lit up instantly but Raina was absolutely devastated now.
Before she could make an excuse not to go, Ratchet called Optimus over, catching everyone's attention.
"Optimus, I'm receiving a signal on a restricted band. It appears to be coming from a starship inside this solar system." Ratchet explained.
He proceeded to check further, typing away at the monitor.
"It's an Autobot identification beacon." He revealed.
Jack and Raf stared from below, surprised about the new info. Raina was just internally pouting that another Autobot was coming.
"So there are other bots out there?" Jack asked.
"The masses scattered to the galaxies when Cybertron finally went dark but cons have been known to bait traps with false beacons." Arcee explained and thought out loud.
Optimus finally spoke up, talking to the incoming ship.
"Unknown vessel, this is Autobot Outpost Omega One. Identify yourself."
"I've had warmer welcomes from Decepticon combat brigades." The unknown voice replied back.
Raina snickered to herself. 1 point to Decepticons. Suddenly, her and Miko got jolted around by Bulkhead's excitement.
"Wheeljack?! You old con crusher! What are you doing all the way out here?" He asked walking closer to the monitor, all happy and excited. Miko and Raina managed to catch themselves from falling as Bulkhead stopped walking.
"Bulkhead? That you? What's with all the security?" Wheeljack asked jokingly.
"The rock we're on is crawling with cons. How soon can you get here and even the odds?" Bulkhead was hopeful it would be soon. Raina was just offended by Bulkhead's words. Crawling with cons? Evening odds? Like the Autobots stood a chance. Of course she had to hide these emotions through a smile, especially next to Miko.
"Sometime tomorrow if I put metal to the pedal." Wheeljack estimated.
"Another bot's coming here. How cool is that!" Miko exclaimed to Bulkhead and Raina. Bulkhead looked just as excited while Raina just smiled for fake joy.
"Wheeljack...I know of him by reputation only. Can you verify his voiceprint?" Optimus asked to Bulkhead.
"He is 1,000% the real deal Optimus." Bulkhead reassured the leader confidently.
"We will send landing coordinates Wheeljack. Safe journey." Optimus told the wrecker.
"See you soon, Buddy. I'll make sure you get a proper welcome." Bulkhead assured his best bud. The call ended after that. Raina was going to give Wheeljack a hard time, no warm welcomes on her watch.
Arcee walked up to Bulkhead, asking him a question. "So, who's the boyfriend?" Bulkhead doesn't deny nor confirm her joking statement, only ignoring it to answer the question.
"Me and Jackie go way back. We were part of the same war unit, the Wreckers. Which means the cons are gonna wish he never found us." Bulkhead explained, punching his fists together. Raina scoffed out loud by accident, getting a confused look from everyone.
"Yeah, by the way Wheeljack sounds, that's an understatement Bulkhead." Raina said in a cool manner, covering up the truth. Bulkhead laughed in agreement, while Raina sighed in relief.
After that, the kids all hung out for a bit before having to go home. Raina got dropped off first this time. She waved goodbye to her guardian and Miko before heading inside.
Her parents weren't home yet but she had her dog. It's all she needed. She started to rant and vent about the Autobots, like she did everytime she went there. She knew Collette couldn't understand what she was saying but it was still comforting.
That night, she snuck out like usual to the meetup spot. The groundbridge appeared and she went through. She was with Starscream and Soundwave tonight.
"Did you hear about the bot coming to the Autobot base?" Raina asked the seeker. "Yes we did. We already have a plan to trick the Autobots some more. Seeing as your a human, you wouldn't be as trusted with information. But a fellow Autobot would." He explained like is was the best plan out there.
"Makeshift here, is all set for when we do the switch tomorrow." He said further, turning around and gesturing to the con. He looked exactly like Wheeljack, even had the grenade!
"Woah. That's so cool." Raina said complete amazed. She didn't even know that it was possible to change someone like that.
She spent the rest of her time there with Soundwave. He taught her more of hacking and basic coding. She also got to play with Lazerbeak.
At 3am, she returned back home and got her sleep. Lately she's been sneaking out at 1 and returning at 3 in the morning. She had to get up at 7 for school and at 8 on the weekends. Meaning only a total of 4-5 hours of sleep. Yep, in base and in class, she tended to snooze off.
But today, she was forced awake at 7am. It was a Saturday again and Miko couldn't hold her horses for Wheeljack's arrival.
So she got herself ready, skipped breakfast, and got outside to Bulkhead and Miko. The two jammed to their rock as usual while Raina had trouble staying up. How she wasn't awake from the blasting music was beyond her understanding.
As soon as they got there, the sun was just rising. Everyone stood in front of the monitor, watching as Wheeljack's signal travelled across the globe.
"Wheeljack'a ship is approaching the landing zone." Arcee reported to everyone.
Miko gasped in excitement, moving her arms in front of her. The signal on the screen blinked and beeped as it moved around.
"You think he's here to visit?" Raf asked
"Maybe he'll stay! Hmm. Have to find his own human though. Raina." Miko suggested jokingly, looking at her tired friend.
"I don't know what to say Miko, I though you and me were close. But alas we are not." Raina said dramatically, placing her hand on her forehead for effect. The two bursted our laughing after that.
Ratchet started to enter the coordinates in the groundbridge controls, announcing it was cycling up. Then it bursted out sparks, making Ratchet jump a bit back. He smacked the thing and it started to work again, only to stop.
"Blasted scraplets." He complained. "Equipment hasn't been the same since the infestation."
"So, Wheeljack's gonna land halfway around the world and then you'll bridge him here?" Jack asked confused. The other three kids showing the same confusion.
"We can't risk revealing the location of our base, just in case the Decepticons are tracking Wheeljack's ship." Optimus explained.
Miko looked to the side and saw Bulkhead pacing back and forth. "Dude, I've never seen you so stoked!" She said walking closer the the bot.
"Oh, you're gonna love Wheeljack. We were like brothers and tonight we are gonna party!"
"Sweet!" Miko exclaimed. Raina was excited herself. If Starscream's plan worked out, she wouldn't be the only Decepticon in the base. Meaning she had company.
The alarm suddenly started to go off. The screen showed Decepticon signals following Wheeljack's.
"Boogies closing fast on Wheeljack's position!" Arcee noticed.
"Con scum!" Bulkhead growled. Raina looked a bit offended but no one noticed. She just prayed the plan would work.
Bulkhead, Arcee, and Bumblebee waited near the groundbridge entrance. Ready for Ratchet to open it up.
"Open the bridge Ratchet! We're missing all the action!" Bulkhead rushed the medic. Finally Ratchet got it working and pulled the lever, as the groundbridge came to life.
"I'll prepare sick bay." Ratchet said looking at the three bots. Bulkhead chuckled at that.
"Who for? The cons?" He asked jokingly as the three went through. Raina gave off a smile, a mischievous smile. The Autobots were walking into a trap, hopefully a successful one.
"This is Wheeljack we're talking about." Bulkhead said before he disappeared alongside the rest.
It was only a minute later that they all ran back, including Wheeljack. Raina looked closely at the bot who ran in, hoping to find a sign that it was Makeshift. The groundbridge failed again after the 4 were through, sending crackles of electricity through the groundbridge frames.
That's when Wheeljack and Raina locked eyes. He smiled slightly and Raina knew the plan had worked. She smiled back, happy to see a fellow con for once.
(Quick Note: I'll be referring to Makeshift as Wheeljack for now.)
"Jackie come here. Meet my other best buddy, Miko." Bulkhead introduced to the girl walking down to meet Wheeljack. "She can wreck with the best of us."
"Hiya." She greeted sweetly.
Wheeljack walked up, "you keeping Bulkhead out of trouble?" He asked jokingly.
"I try, but trouble finds us anyway." She replied smiling. Wheeljack smiled. "We're gonna get along just fine." He told Bulkhead who was overly happy about the two meeting.
Then Optimus walked up to greet the wrecker.
"Optimus Prime, it's a privilege." Wheeljack greeted the stoic leader.
"Likewise soldier." Optimus replied back, giving a welcoming smile. "What have you to report from your long journey?"
"Been bouncing from rock to rock. Searching for signs of friend or foe. Now I find both." Wheeljack smiled, glancing behind him to Bulkhead.
"We are few, but strong. We have suffered losses...but we have grown. And we would relish welcoming a new member into our fold." He explained warmly.
"More like dysfunctional family but that works too." Raina whispered to Jack and Raf who both silently laughed at the comment.
"I would be honoured." Wheeljack replied.
"Then let's get this party started!" Bulkhead said slapping Wheeljack's back with brute force. Wheeljack turned around and they chest/chassis bumped roughly.
"Oh joy." Ratchet expressed sarcastically. He already looked done with this day.
Soon Bulkhead went into the halls and emerged with a metal ball. Except it looked like a bunch of metal sheets smashed together. Miko plugged in her guitar and was strumming away at it. Jack and Arcee just sat down and watched the scene unfold. Ratchet was trying to work on the groundbridge but the noise was getting irritating. Optimus decided to take a drive, not wanting to take part at all. Raina, Raf, and Bumblebee all sat on the ground and watched the two wreckers play with the object.
"Come on Jackie. Show me what you got!" Bulkhead cheered as Wheeljack threw the ball with all his force at Bulkhead.
Bulkhead caught it, skidding back from the force. He straightened up as he threw the ball back with all of his strength.
"Nice lob." He complimented.
The two kept throwing it back and forth at each other, skidding across the floor everytime they caught it.
Raina sat beside Raf as she watched Miko jam out on her guitar. She could hear Jack asking about lob to Arcee who explained the game. Raina already knew about it, even playing a scale downed version with Breakdown one time. She couldn't hear those two over the loud notes.
But she felt lost in her best friends eyes. They were full of joy, excitement, and awesomeness. She could feel her face heating up and looked away. Raina didn't understand the concept of love, she never got the talk nor experienced it till now. All the love she knew was family and friends, not romance. That's all she thought this was, loving her friend because she was her friend.
"Come on Raf! Show us some moves!" Miko invited, swaying her hips to her own music. Raina got snapped out of her thoughts as Raf hesitantly went up and started to dance. Raina stood up and laughed, cheering Raf on.
"Of course! The robot." Jack said watching the 12 year old dance. He was doing pretty well, could have been mistaken for a robot. Bumblebee observed Raf closely and started to copy his moves. Now guardian and charge were dancing like robots to Miko's music. Ratchet sighed annoyingly at the sight and went back to his work.
Raina looked at the annoyed medic, especially his face. There was something about his annoyed expression that sparked a familiar feeling inside of her. The first time in a long time, she felt the feeling. But she could still feel a barrier, preventing her from remembering. She decided not to strain her tired brain anymore than it should have.
Jack asked where Optimus was, Arcee replied with "Primes don't party."
"Raina, come on! Dance!" Miko cheered, staring at her bestie. Raina shook her head laughing.
"No way hoo-zay Miko." She said firmly. "Please." Miko pleaded. Raina looked at Raf and Bumblebee who cupped their hands and made puppy eyes. Raina then looked at Jack and Arcee, who urged her to do it. Sighing, Raina started to dance with Raf and Bumblebee. Everyone cheering the three dancers on.
"Coming at ya!" Bulkhead yelled. He threw the lob ball a bit too high, just missing Wheeljack's servos.
The ball crashed into the wall, making a beautiful dent before falling on to the groundbridge controls. It nearly hit Ratchet but he ducked away just in time.
"You know, I am attempting to perform sensitive calibrations here!" He scolded the two bots annoyed. "Sorry doc." Wheeljack said picking up the lob ball.
"Guess we're a little charged up." He explained. He walked up to the groundbridge, admiring the handy work.
"You built this bridge from scratch, huh?" Wheeljack asked. "I did" was all Ratchet said back.
"That's quite a feat of engineering." He complimented. "Yes, it is." Ratchet replied, smiling a bit.
"Something wrong with it?" Wheeljack asked, a bit more menacingly but it got unnoticed by everyone but Raina.
"I didn't care for the way it sounded this last jump. I put it in shut-down." Ratchet explained to Wheeljack.
"What if you need to use it?" He asked.
"Ohh, I can't disrupt the defrag process without causing irreparable damage."
"So uh, how long will the defrag take?"
"A few hours, if we're lucky." Ratchet turned around to face Wheeljack. "M-Maybe longer." He said turning back around, not noticing the look Wheeljack had on his faceplatings.
The two wreckers stopped playing lob after that. Miko suggested the two tell stories from their wrecker past. So the kids all gathered (near some bullet holder thing-a-ma-bob. Idk what it actually is) and listened as Bulkhead told the story.
"So there we were - no communications, low on energon, surrounded by cons. So, what does Wheeljack do?" Bulkhead questioned. The kids all gave 'what' looks, excited for the next part. Laughing, Bulkhead told 'Jackie' to tell them.
"Well, what I do best." He said simply.
Bulkhead laughed so more before taking back the story.
"He chucks his only grenade smack into the primary heat exchanger!"
"Yeah, seemed like a good idea at the time." Wheeljack spoke up.
"The joint went supernova!" Bulkhead finished exclaiming, throwing his hands into the air.
"Awesome!" Miko commented, imagining the scene in her head.
"Yeah, I'm still picking shrapnel out of my backside." He added, reaching behind him swearing he could feel it.
"I'm not surprised, given the size of your backside." Arcee commented. Bumblebee laughed at the joke, agreeing with her.
Wheeljack glanced over at Ratchet, hearing him work on the calibrations. Knowing it would take a while longer, tried to think of a plan to see the location of the base. A side request from Starscream at the time since Raina refused to tell the location.
Why Raina had refused will be revealed later on.
"There it is, Jackie's signature. One grenade, one shot." Bulkhead said, pointing to the grenade on Wheeljacks belt.
He noticed his buddy not paying attention so he waved his servo in front of him.
"Hey, you all right?" Bulkhead asked a bit worried.
"What?" Wheeljack asked, suddenly snapping back. Raina looked a bit worried now, would his disguise hold up?
"You don't seem like yourself." Bulkhead pointed out. 'Uh oh' Raina thought.
"Well, what do you mean?" Wheeljack asked, getting a bit defensive.
"I don't know. You seem, quiet." Bulkhead observed.
"Aw, I've been stuck in a can too long." Wheeljack said, thanking Primus nobody was suspicious like he thought. But he was wrong, Bulkhead was, just pretending to buy the excuse.
"I should go topside before I get stir-crazy." Wheeljack suggested.
"I have patrol in the morning. You can come with." Bulkhead offered.
"Let's go now."
"And break up the party? Come on! The gang's loving you! You got to tell them about the battle of Darkmount Pass!"
"You tell them. You're better at it."
Bulkhead instantly knew something was wrong. Why wouldn't Wheeljack want to tell his own tale? And how was he better at telling a story that he wasn't apart of yet Wheeljack was?
"How about if Raina here shows me the rest of your base?" Wheeljack asked, looking at Raina who was half paying attention to the conversation. She looked up at him and smiled, nodding her head.
"Well, yeah, sure Jackie. Hey, go ahead." Bulkhead said in an understanding tone.
"Me too!" Miko bursted in, hugging Raina's arm. Raina got up and pulled Miko with her smiling.
"Tour starts now." Miko announced. Then she proceeded to ask Wheeljack a bunch of questions, Raina had to shush her.
"What? Sorry if I'm curious." Miko said laughing. "Well let him rest from your antics Miko." Raina replied smiling.
The three made their way through the base's halls. They showed the berthrooms, the hanger, and how to navigate the confusing halls.
"Miko, I bet you can't run 3 whole laps around the hangar without stopping." Raina suddenly said before leaving the hanger. Miko looked at her like she was stupid.
"Prepare to be mind blown!" She said, readying herself up before making a mad sprint. Raina chuckled to herself before turning to Wheeljack.
"So, liking it here so far?" Raina asked Makeshift.
"It's meh. Didn't realize you'd be here." He said, this time his voice changing a bit to his normal one.
"Yeah well. I got caught and I'm not going to jail. Plus Miko's here and she's my bestie. Almost like Bulkhead and the real Wheeljack I suppose." Raina explained to him.
He nodded his head in understanding before Raina cheered Miko on. She had just completed her first lap and was already panting. Once she passed, the two continued their talk.
"Gotta be careful ok? I think they're getting suspicious." Raina warmed him, worried that he would get hurt if the found out.
"Don't worry, I know almost everything about Wheeljack's history. Just getting info and passing on through." He reassured her.
She looked sad that he would only stay temporary but was happy he was here none the less. Miko passed by again, completing her second lap, you could see sweat forming.
"Oh yeah, Starscream wanted me to let you know. Megatron was retrieved successfully from space and is doing well. Alive actually." Makeshift quickly added.
"Really? Wait when?!" Raina asked very happy and very confused now.
"When Skyquake was fighting the Autobots, Soundwave detected Lord Megatron's help beacon. Starscream went to investigate and retrieved him. He brought him back a board and forgot to mention it to you." Makeshift explained further. Raina was beaming now.
Megatron was alright. He could still be saved and brought back into shape in no time!
That's when Miko finished the final lap, sweating and panting to death. Raina laughed, speaking for Miko.
"I know I know, I am blown by the fact you did it. I knew you could, your Miko Nakadai." Raina recited, rolling her eyes. Miko gave a thumbs up while hunched over.
They waited till Miko was all good to go before continuing the tour.
"So, that's pretty much it. Energon stockpile, power generator, armory. Everything you need to blow the joint sky high." She finished, placing her hands behind her back like a professional would.
"Where's this bunker located exactly?" Wheeljack asked.
"If I told ya, I'd have to rip out your spark chamber." Miko teased evilly. Wheeljack started to look a bit worried for himself. Questioning if humans could actually manage that.
"Kidding!" Miko said grinning like an absolute fool.
"Just outside Jasper, Nevada. Though I don't expect that to mean too much to ya."
"Can't day it does." Wheeljack replied. He looked down at Raina, smiling. She smiled back as they followed Miko back to the main area.
"So, uh, any way out of here besides bridging?" Wheeljack asked, looking at his surroundings.
"Why?" Miko asked, suddenly stopping at his feet. Nearly scaring him too, as the voice went from ahead of him to directly below him.
"You're not planning to leave already, are you?" She asked looking up sadly. Then her expression changed to being happy again.
"Come on. I'll show you." She said, walking in between his legs and away. Raina ran to be beside her, laughing at Miko's tricks. She was toying around with him too much.
"Hey. What are you guys talking about?" Wheeljack asked as Raina and Miko ran ahead of him. They were back in the main area.
"I was just telling the guys all about you and me at the battle of Darkmount Pass." Bulkhead replied.
"That's a heck of a story."
"Yep. Tell it." Bulkhead said firmly, staring Wheeljack down.
"Talk talk talk. How about after we go off-roading?" Miko said, excitedly.
"Miko! Stay out of this!" Bulkhead suddenly snapped, shocking her and everyone else.
Raina immediately went to Miko's side, side hugging her close.
"Bulkhead, easy." Arcee said soothingly, trying to calm the bot down.
"I'm not sure I-" "Tell it!" Bulkhead interrupted Wheeljack.
"Fine. You want to live in the past Bulkhead?" Wheeljack asked. The kids gave each other uncertain glances, while Raina was hoping Makeshift could pull this off. They all looked up at him, waiting for him to speak.
"The wreckers were trapped between a Decepticon patrol and the smelting pit. The cons were vicious, bearing down on us with everything they had. Me and Bulkhead engaged the enemy, left them for scrap. Then I made us a way out using their backsides as stepping-stones to cross the molten metal. Isn't that how it happened?" Wheeljack asked, finishing the epic story.
"Yeah. That's exactly how it happened." Bulkhead said amazed.
Wheeljack smiled triumphantly while Raina let out a small sigh.
"Except for one little thing." Bulkhead suddenly said. Wheeljack looked up shocked while Raina tensed up a bit, still holding Miko in her side hug. Miko assumed it was because of the situation, which was true, except for which part of the situation that made her tense.
"I wasn't there."
Now they had Ratchets attention. Everyone was shocked and confused by the new piece of information.
"I'd already left the wreckers to join up with Optimus, but you wouldn't know that if all you did was access Wheeljack's public-service record." Bulkhead said, pointing his finger accusingly at the fake Wheeljack.
"Bulkhead, what does that have to do with-AHH!" Miko suddenly screeched as her and Raina got lifted in the air by Makeshift.
Makeshift ran past Bulkhead and Arcee, pushing through and towards the groundbridge.
"Miko! Raina!" Bulkhead shouted as he watched Makeshift turn around and angrily stare them down.
Raina wasn't sure if he grabbed her for her protection or if it was an act. Either way, she pretended to be just as scared as Miko.
"Stay back! Or I'll squeeze them into pulp!" Makeshift threatened, showing the two girls and holding them out like rag dolls. Now Raina was worried for her friend. She knew Decepticons would do anything to achieve victory, even hurting a friend of theirs.
Bee and Arcee got into defence, unsure of what to do but ready to attack. Jack and Raf looked worried for the girls while Bulkhead just stared Makeshift down angrily.
Ratchet made an attempt to jump from behind him but was quickly caught by Makeshift. He held up his servos to show he wasn't planning anything.
"Wheeljack, what are you doing?" Miko asked worryingly.
"Decepticon coward! Let the girls go and face me!" Bulkhead growled, raising his fist up.
Raina ignored the fact he called him a coward, she was more focused on Miko's safety. Her own was fine of course, well she hoped he wouldn't do anything.
"Miko, it's gonna be ok. Alright? Just stay calm, it's gonna be ok." Raina said trying to call Miko down. Her voice quivered a bit when she said that, suggesting she was scared too.
Miko tried to give a smile but Makeshift tightened his grip a bit on them both. The girls let out short squeals of pain when he did. Ok, now Raina was scared for her life.
"Don't fret. Plenty of fighting to come." Makeshift assured the former wrecker.
"Is there a real Wheeljack?" Jack asked Bulkhead. Makeshift answered instead.
"Oh indeed, and I expect Lord Starscream is making sport of him."
Bulkhead was even more angry now, thinking of what they could be doing to his best buddy. Makeshift then went to the groundbridge controls and entered the coordinates.
"About time." Makeshift said as he signalled for Ratchet to pull the lever. He did reluctantly and it hummed to life without any problems.
Makeshift then started to back up, both kids in hand still as the others tried to stop him. Miko and Raina both trying to get out of his grasp.
"Let's get this party started." Makeshift announced, bringing his arms out.
Then the real Wheeljack came and kicked Makeshift from behind. Makeshift fell to the ground, releasing both girls from his grasp. Bulkhead caught Miko while Ratchet caught Raina.
Bulkhead put Miko down, looking at her to make sure she was ok. Raina was put down by Ratchet who ran over to Miko and hugged her, slightly shaking. Bulkhead smiled that the girls were ok before everyone turned to the real Wheeljack.
"I'd shut that hole before the stink comes through." Wheeljack suggested, putting his swords back.
Raina just gave up at being offended at the bot's words. Might as well get used to the lovely names they come up with.
Ratchet nodded his head, closing the groundbridge. Leaving Makeshift no way to escape. Everyone watched as Wheeljack and Makeshift circled each other, blades drawn. Bulkhead wanted to join in but Wheeljack told him not to.
"Ugly's mine." Wheeljack said, stopping Bulkhead from entering the fight.
Eventually the two dashed at each other, swinging their blades while blocking the others attack. The two jumped back and forth, trying to swing at the right moment.
"Which one is the real Wheeljack?" Raf asked, fixing his glasses.
"Uh uhh, I lost track!" Miko exclaimed worried, putting her hands on the side of her face.
Wheeljack swung above Makeshifts head as he ducked in time. Then he took his swing but Wheeljack blocked it. Then he swung forward but Makeshift blocked it with his own blade then shifting his position to the back of Wheeljack. He knocked the sword out of Wheeljack's right hand but this gave Wheeljack the opportunity to strike back. It caught Makeshift off guard as Wheeljack grabbed his left arm, pulled him forward, and kicked his chassis. Then in midair, grabbed Makeshifts blade and finished him off with it. Makeshift landed on the ground, defeated as Wheeljack hovered a blade over his body.
(I just wrote out the whole battle scene 0-o. Never again)
"That's my Jackie." Bulkhead cheered, looking behind him at Bee and Arcee.
Wheeljack went up to Makeshift, making sure he was down before putting his blades away.
"You, hit the switch." Wheeljack said glancing at Ratchet then at Makeshift. Ratchet nodded his head as he turned the groundbridge back on.
"It's time to take out the trash. All yours buddy." Wheeljack said to Bulkhead, backing up so he could do his thing.
Bulkhead bent down and activated the grenade on Makeshift's belt before roundhouse tossing him back through the bridge.
"Nice one Bulkhead!" Miko complimented. He gave her a smile back, glad the situation was over and that the real Wheeljack was finally at base.
"I agree with the kid, that was a nice lob." Wheeljack added in.
The kids got dropped off back at their homes after the whole thing and meeting the real Wheeljack. Raina, per usual, snuck out at 1am and went aboard the Nemesis. She heard about Makeshift blowing up alongside the Vehicon troops, knowing that would most likely happen.
Miko got Raina up early again, much to her dismay. Raina had to start wearing makeup so her dark circles were hidden. As soon as they arrived at base, they had another party, for the real Wheeljack.
Miko jammed out on her guitar as Raina, Raf, Jack, and Bumblebee danced along. Arcee watched them all, shaking her head amused. Optimus was also present, for once. Ratchet was welding Wheeljack's ship, stopping to groan out loud in annoyance.
"It's like a recurring nightmare." Ratchet said to himself.
"You can say that again Ratchet." Raina said walking up to the medic. He was shocked that she spoke to him but didn't make it appear so.
"Why? Don't like parties." He asked, going back to welding.
"I do, sometimes. It's just Miko. She woke me up early this weekend and I haven't been getting a lot of sleep lately." Raina vented.
Ratchet stopped welding again to look at her. "You haven't been getting sleep? Why?" He asked, truly curious now.
"School and cause I have to take care of my dog since my parents are rarely home." She explained, carefully not mentioning the Decepticons.
She was rather shocked she was having a conversation with Ratchet, let alone an Autobot. She was already warming up to them but now she was getting tired of suppressing it. She just didn't want them getting to close to find out about her alliance. Or just in case she gets caught, the betrayal wouldn't be fun to handle. But she still wanted to get close to them, just not them get close to her.
"You own a dog? Isn't that a pet or something?" Ratchet asked, looking back at his handy work.
"Yep. She's turning 8 this year, which to dogs, is old. Lately she's been getting more sick so I'm worried about her." Raina admitted.
And it was true. Collette had been not like herself lately. More calm and relaxed, sleeping more, eating less or not at all. Sometimes even throwing up. Raina felt guilty about leaving her precious furry friend at home all the time during these moments.
"I...hope your dog gets better. Now go and have fun with the others." He said, returning back to his old self. Raina giggled at his behaviour before running off to leave him be.
Ratchet nearly snapped his neck looking up at the girl. Her giggle, it sounded exactly like Riley's giggle. After all, it never changed. He shook it off and went back to fixing the ship.
"Now that you're part of Team Prime, we need to pick out a vehicle mode for you. I have some ideas." Bulkhead said, nudging Wheeljack with his arm.
"Uh, about that Bulk. Now that my ship's repaired, I'm itching to know what else I might find out there." Wheeljack admitted to a now sad Bulkhead.
"Wait. You're leaving? Why?" Miko asked disappointed, running with the other three kids toward Wheeljack.
"Ohh...because some bots never change." Bulkhead answered for him, chuckling afterwards.
"Wheeljack, know that you'll always have a haven here." Optimus said smiling afterwards.
Wheeljack gave a nod of understanding, smiling back at him.
"Jackie never stays, but he always comes back." Bulkhead explained, slapping Wheeljack's back then giving him a tight side hug, followed by pat on his chassis, ending with a fistbump.
Then the kids, Arcee, Bumblebee, Bulkhead, and Wheeljack all groundbridged to a different location to say their goodbyes to Wheeljack.
"There's room for two Bulk, even with a backside like yours. Who knows who we might find out there, some of the old crew?" Wheeljack wondered, offering Bulkhead a chance to join him.
Bulkhead looked back at the kids, specifically at his charges. All 4 of them looked shock, like he would say yes. Jack and Raina placed a hand on Miko's shoulder while Raf just looked up at Miko, seeing her pain.
"Heh. It sounds like fun Jackie. But my ties are here now with them...with her."
Miko lit up to her old self, causing Raina to laugh a bit.
"He loves you too much Miko, he would never leave you." Raina said to the happy girl beside her.
"Or you. Don't think I forgot." Bulkhead piped in. Raina then remembered herself, giving a genuine smile to him.
Wheeljack didn't mind Bulkheads decision and joined in with the smiling party.
"If anything happens to my favourite wrecker, I'm coming after you." Wheeljack threatened teasingly.
"I'll take good care of him. Now, say 'cheese'." Miko took out her flip phone and snapped a shot of the two wreckers smiling. A moment to cherish forever.
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