Children of the Primes

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It's been a while. I would make up an excuse on why the delay but I have none other than my own laziness. I do hope many of you enjoy this long awaited chapter and encourage you to try my other story. The desire/demands for more is why I write, well that and my own enjoyment.

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Ch. 11

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Ratchet could only growled in annoyance as he went over the data again. He must have analyzed the result over a dozen times and came to the same frustrating conclusion. Never before had the veteran ever come across such a bizarre medical case that left him dumbfounded. Simply put Hijacker was a complete scientific mystery.

"What troubles you old friend?" Optimus' voice stirred the medic from his musing.

"Frankly I'm concerned with my latest patient." That was odd. He never had any true patients, just soldiers he needed to patch together so they could be sent out to the field to fight, injure themselves, and get sent back to him. Of course not all returned. That was a thought he banished, not wishing to associate it with one so young.

"Hijacker is indeed merely sixteen and on the cusp of being a mechling," when he in fact should have been a sparkling by Cybertronian standards. Yet he had grown far too fast to be considered naturally born.

He left out his own personal thoughts as he recalled Hijacker's appearance and limited knowledge. There were no blemishes in his frame to suggest he had even seen combat. There was also his lack of knowledge. A complete lack of their race, homeworld, or the war. That frightened Ratchet most of all. A child on his own with no understanding of anything save for this world. How did he survive. The mere thought of it all made him shudder.

"Ratchet?" the old medic shook off the troubling thoughts. Setting aside his personal feelings of the youth and continuing on with his findings.

"His spark chamber concerns me." As it should the output of power was beyond what Ratchet had seen.

"Please explain." Wordlessly the medic allowed the data to speak for itself gesturing to his monitor. "These readings they are-"

"Similar to your own yes." Ratchet grunted, cutting off the Primes' concern as he elaborate.

"I can not properly investigate without an invasive surgery."

It was pointless to hide the facts from Optimus. The output of power seemed reminiscent of a Prime. As dangerous as it was to poke around the spark chamber of one so young it was the only way to fix what appeared to be a hazard to the mysterious cybertronians life. After all it was unnatural for such a small frame to contain such power.

If it was directly related to the mech's rapid aging wouldn't such an operation be worth the risk? Surely Optimus would understand it was worth the risk rather than leaving his patient to an unknown fate. Ratchet pressed on not allowing himself to linger on such discouraging thoughts.

"There are more surprises that I found within his own CNA however," Ratchet monitor swapped from the projection of sparks and displayed a simple strand of code with few notes and comparison. "I was able to compare it to a similar strand of CNA on file."

Optimus read over with little surprise at the oddities and focused on the comparison. As corrupted, and that was troubling, as Hijacker's CNA was there was more than enough to match it to a single Autobot on file.

Jazz

"Optimus I know this may be a shock but I've analyzed the data and came to the same conclusion. Hijacker is a descendant of Jazz."

This was not a large shock to Optimus as he had contemplated his former lieutenant's disappearance during the war. Jackson's similar appearance was even enough to have led Cliffjumper to believe they were one and the same.

"No Ratchet I believe that Jazz is Hijacker's sire."

"A direct relation? Optimus are you certain."

The Prime merely nodded to his chief medical officer watching him with concern as he nearly fell over. Grasping the council Ratchet looked on the data with a new perspective. There were far too few of them stranded on this world, so few the team had looked to each member as if they were family. Now to actually find one so far from home separated from loved ones. The medic felt his spark twist.

Hijacker had wondered this planet alone without his sire. Without Jazz. Megatron revived their comrade only to twist him into a monster. He prayed to Primus the mechling never learned what cruelty befell Jazz. His processor swam as he processed that as he felt his tank churn so violently he feared he might purge over the console.

"Ratchet?"

"I'm fine," he quickly replied far to gruffly he practically felt himself growling. He tried to steady himself as he felt his energon boil within his fuel lines. Anger burning hot threatening to bring him crashing down. He stilled as he felt Optimus' strong grip on his shoulder steadying him. "Thank you."

After granting his medic a few moments reprieve Optimus began again focusing on one of his concerns. "What can you tell me of this corruption," he questioned, looking at the strange code of CNA before them.

"It's mostly biological matter." Ratchet turned to fully face the Prime after his frustrations had burned out. "The CNA code is more like humanity's DNA helix." Ratchet mused on Jack's question from the day's earlier events as he watched his leader's face fall into unreadable.

"So could a Cybertronian take the form of a human?"

"Oh Primus no." He had never known Optimus to withhold anything from them. Here and now it still didn't feel like a betrayal of trust. Optimus just seemed like he was waiting for friends to catch up as he wore a tired smile.

"I'm afraid so, old friend."

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"I can't believe this," Cliffjumper nearly spat.

It had only been moments since Optimus and Ratchet had shared the news of Hijacker's relation to the Autobot faction. Optimus had managed to convince Ratchet to keep the information that the mech and their human charge Jackson were one and the same. The Prime knew that the information should have been shared with the team, he was confident that none would harm him and that he would be accepted amongst them. However he had promised he would allow Jack to tell the others in his own time.

"Optimus the kid is out there alone we should be helping him." Given Jazz and Cliffjumper's history he should have anticipated the mech's anger. "Scrap he's practically family."

"Cliff's right Optimus it's a miracle that the mech hasn't run into the 'Cons." Bulkhead couldn't help but share which earned him a mix review. While Optimus, Bumblebee, and Ratchet knew the truth and that Jack's ability to hide amongst humanity was his greatest source of anonymity, the lack of that knowledge left the others in stages of discomfort. Cliffjumper looked wide eyed with panic, while Arcee did her best to assuage his fears. Bulkhead seemed to shrink, not quite guilty over what was said but regretful all the same that he said it.

"Technically he fought off the 'Cons, all three encounters we've had with him."

The command room turned into an uproar of voices. Ratchet reprimanded Bumblebee who seemed to become smaller and smaller with each word. Arcce seemed ready to ride off with Cliffjumper no longer able to convince him to stay calm. Bulkhead quietly muttered on 'wish I could have seen the new kid square up against Soundwave'.

"Enough." The power behind that simple word was enough to bring everyone to a halt. All eyes were on Optimus waiting for what he would say next. All except Cliffjumper who was doing his best not to sprint out the exit. He could feel Optimus' gaze on his back, and so he waited. He waited to see how Optimus would dissuade him from leaving.

"I understand the risk Hijacker has taken, and I understand your fears as well Cliffjumper. The choice to stay however was ultimately his to make." Optimus had hope that Cliffjumper would see reason and trust his judgement. "Free will is the right of all sentient beings. It was the cause that Jazz dedicated his life to."

Cliffjumper finally turned faceplate stuck in an expression of confliction as he looked on to his leader. "Optimus I understand that he feels more comfortable with the humans he's been raised by, but there all in danger if the Decepticons discover them."

Cliffjumper was correct of course, the risk of being discovered was great and yet June had managed to protect her child all these years. Optimus was looking forward to meeting the femme.

Bringing his thoughts back to the matter he turned to his physician hoping for something to build on. "Ratchet?"

The old medic merely huffed as he thought up a solution. "Before his physical was done I gave Hijacker a comm fixed to our frequency. We should be able to contact him."

"That's great but if that's the case why haven't we been able to contact him." Arcee questioned the matter of Hijacker for the first time curiosity oozing on the matter. There was no doubt she wanted to learn more about her charges' family in wake of their latest discovery.

"The problem is that Hijacker's comm is blocked as well as his life signal." Ratchet spoke a little too gruffly for the group's liking. Before any could speak up he was quick to cut off their anger. "Not an indication of his termination, but proof that he has taken the matter of shielding himself seriously."

"So what do we do?"

What a question.

Team Prime was mystified by the situation. How should they move forward? Never had any of them thought such a scenario could have occurred.

"Maybe one of us should pay a visit to his family." Bulkhead offered all optics landed on him. "What it's the easiest solution. The kid's with Jack, Jack knows us, his mom knows about us. Couldn't we just introduce ourselves."

"Unfortunately Bulkhead our deal with Agent Fowler prevents us from revealing ourselves to civilians. We are fortunate the children are the exception." Optimus began to elaborate. "It is my hope that we explain the situation to Fowler so that he may here to introduce June to us for the sake of both parties."

"Slag it all Optimus. Are we really gonna just wait for that fleshie."

Cliffjumper barked. Optimus was ready to reprimand but Arcee was quick to get between the two. Faceplate to faceplate with Cliff and she howled.

"June is a runner, Jack is too. When we first met he took off. You really wanna surprise her? Drive her away? Do you wanna put Hijacker in the position to choose us or them if they take off?"

That had cliffjumper reeling.

"I don't know what to do, how do we help the kid?" Just like that the base sinked into a somber mood. Arcee was back at Cliff's side comforting him. Bumblebee and Ratchet seemed worse off, unable to offer any comfort, while Bulkhead seemed to slouch with no answers. Cliffjumper's optics met with Optimus seeking some form of refuge from the situation they seemed to be placed in.

"Cliffjumper accompany the Darby's and maintain covert surveillance."

"Optimus is that wise? Arcee is Jack's guardian and-"

"The situation is different June is aware of Cybertronian life having Arcee return may rouse suspicion. I believe it would be best if you were to shadow them and find Jazz's ship." Optimus was quick to explain cutting off Cliffjumper. "June is the only one that can lead us to any clues of our comrade and his sparkling."

Cliff was slacked jawed as he stared up a bit uncertain about how to proceed. Optimus was patient with him and gave him the time he needed to collect himself. The last twenty-four hours had taken a toll on them all. "If you leave now you may be able to catch up with Jack." Optimus offered as Cliff continued to stare on. Finally Cliffjumper seemed to gather himself as he began to make preparations.

"Thank you sir."

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School dragged on as it always did with the final hours of the day. Friday was different as no rule, teacher, or courtesy could withstand the turret of teenagers that poured out of class as the final hour ticked away. Jack, Miko, and Raf were the same as they made their way through the double doors exiting the school.

The trio rushed to their guardians happy that the day's lessons were at an end. Jack stopped short of the group as he took notice of Cliffjumper.

"Cliff what're you doing here?"

"I'm your new chaperone kiddo." That was a surprise even more when Arcee confirmed it.

"Optimus thought it would be wise if you had a guardian to look out for you and your 'big brother'?" Arcee spoke through her Sadie hologram. Her engine cut on as if to end the conversation leaving the others leaving the two in her dust.

"Did I do something to make her mad?"

"Nah." Cliffjumper spoke in his usually jovial mood. "You're growing on her."

Jack couldn't help the frown that formed over his face as he stared down his new 'babysitter'.

The thought of him and Arcee being close seemed ludicrous. It was a mystery how the easy going Bot had become so close to someone as cold as Arcee. Cliff must have read his thoughts, quickly coming to his partners defence, and immediately explain.

"She's worried. She wouldn't be if you two weren't close. It's a sign that you've made it past the barrier she's set up to keep everyone out."

Ok when put like that he didn't feel so bad about the third degree. It was kind of funny that somehow he had endeared himself to her. Still the two wheeler could at least be a bit more honest, and I'm one to talk.

"What is she so worried about?"

"She can't be your guardian without freaking out your mom. Your sibling from another planet being left on his own. To name a few."

"Oh," there wasn't much else to offer as he thought about that. Suddenly the thought of the smallest decisions he made to his very birth changed from could to had. More negative thoughts seemed to way him down as he thought on to the other ways his existence may have affected the 'Bots. Their last meeting was far from smooth and must have made things difficult.

Cliff seemed to pick up on his shift in mood as he tried to lift his spirits. "And I thought that was a look only reserved for Optimus. Come on you can tell me your problems on the way." His doors swung with an eagerness to get moving. Looking around he was a little surprised to see Raf and Miko had already taken their leave. It would have been nice to say goodbye. His mood soured just a little more. "Hey no more of that come on let's hit the road."

With a little smile and no hesitance Jack complied. Mom wouldn't be home for a while and it would be nice to connect with the horn Autobot. More exciting was the chance for a joyride, that had him smiling more than anything else. For once he would get to experience the thrill of a fast drive without any of the hassle of doing the work himself. Maybe he could finally get a feel for the wind your hair sensation he had heard so much about.

"So what can you tell me about your brother." His brother as Cliff had mentioned must have been his Cybertronian form. Optimus expected him to reveal himself to the others in time, but right now didn't seem the most appropriate time. The silence that stretched on as he thought of an answer was not an uncomfortable one but it made Cliff feel a bit impatient. "Well?"

"He's complicated," he settled for a half truth.

"Complicated? Come on, what's complicated is your mother's sense in naming you two. Jackson and Hijacker. What was she thinking?"

"It's a family name," he was quick to defend. True he didn't exactly pick something that far from his own name but he didn't wanna change it entirely. "My grandfather was named Jack," he could tell by the lack of a quip he would have to further explain to the mouthy mech. "My grandfather was my mom's father. He was the one to raise her."

"Oh like a sire of a sire." Jack was at a loss of what the term sire truly meant but filed it away for questions to ask later. He merely answered yes, hoping they were on the same wavelength. "Man hope I get to meet him. I mean if he had a hand in raising your brother and you I'd think Optimus would too."

"Yeah I wish I could have met him too."

There was a shift in mood as Cliffjumper processed that. "I'm sorry. How did it happen."

"He passed a long time ago. It's still a sensitive topic to mom but I never really got to meet him. Is it strange that you can feel so sad about someone you haven't met?"

"I understand completely." Cliff sounded so morose and bitter when he spoke like he was choking on something distasteful. "Jazz and I were brothers and we got separated in the war. This was the last place I thought I would come across him. Now he's gone and his sparkling is running around clueless."

That was some shocking news he wasn't expecting. He had been repeatedly mistaken for this Jazz. It was a strange crushing feeling that squeezed at his heart. Though it was entirely replaced with a sense of wonder with five words.

'Jazz and I were brothers.'

"WAIT. SO DOES THAT MAKES YOU MY UNCLE?"

Cliffjumper was a little thrown off by the question or maybe the volume it was delivered in. Uncertain as to what an uncle exactly was. The time to explain a family tree and Earth terms that translated to a Cybertronian equivalent was definitely something he needed to explain with the 'Bots. Right now however he was too shocked to go into massive details as he explained how he and Cliff were family.

"I'm an uncle? I have a nephew. IN SOME WEIRD WAY WERE ALL FAMILY!" Cliff was obviously excited as his tone grew from a confused quizzical tone that out right exploded into something far more boisterous. The conversation between him and Jack drifted back and forth about the same issue of relations until it seemed to devolve into excitable chatter that they were family.

It couldn't get any weirder than this and yet somehow Jack wouldn't want it to be any different. He smiled to himself and he was certain that despite not being able to see his face Cliff was smiling too. It was too surreal but he felt assured that somehow he had to be introduced to mom. They were family after all.

"Man what else can you tell me about your brother." There was also that small issue to correct. He would need to explain to 'Uncle Cliff' that they were one in the same sooner rather than later. For now however he would just enjoy the ride and the conversation that came with it.

"So do Cybertronians race?"

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"Optimus wouldn't approve of the abuse of horse power, but if there wasn't a war going on your brother could be the next Blurr."

"Is Blurr another way of saying champ?"

Cliff made a choking sound like his engine backfired. The rearview mirror fixed Jack with a look that he had to guess was disbelief. "Blurr won the Ibex cup for the tenth cycle during the Clampdown besting racers like Drag Strip."

"So he was a fast racer." Jack asked with no small amount of confusion. Half of what Cliff said didn't exactly register to him.

Cliffjumper merely scoffed. "Yeah he was the fastest Velocitronian to ever take to the track," he opined a little disappointed that what he said fell on deaf ears. "Well this is your stop."

"Alright so are you just gonna tail me and mom or-"

"I was hoping to meet with your brother first."

"Yeah, well could you be a bit more patient and try not to freak out."

"Ugh, sure." Cliff replied easily. The conversation had lifted his spirits for the better. Getting to know Jack and learn about his family had done wonders for his mood and it would not be dampened with a little more waiting.

He waited with equal parts eagerness and anxiousness. An hour after Jack had entered his home a woman who could only be June parked alongside the curb. A nervous energy seemed to pump through his fuel line.

Jack's mother had arrived safely but there was no sign of Hijacker. Where was the Mechling hiding. His impatience getting the better of him, Cliff almost tried for his comm. A great flash in the garage stopped him.

The door raised to reveal Hijacker in his alt mode fully prepared to take off. Assuming the others must have been with him as he watched them take off. Cliff sat there feeling as if his tires would deflate as his processor tried to contemplate what he had witnessed.

Was Hijacker a warper? Was that why Jack had told him not to freak out? Curse mysteries to the pit. It was so much simpler when you could just punch your problems and they would stay down. All his contemplating would have to be put on hold.

A heavy sigh escaped him as the hum of his engine revved to life. He realized he would have to keep the chatter down as he traveled and would get his chance to question Hijacker later. Still all this cloak and dagger business, sneaking around the humans, just so he could learn about his friend and family felt frustrating. Centering himself Cliffjumper prepared himself for the long road ahead.

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Sorry about the delays and I hope you found this chapter enjoyable. To those who don't know I'm doing another Transformers fic. It's time travel themed around humans turned cybertronians. Only one chapter is up, but I don't really update if I think something is not well received. After all the main reason I update is because of the demands for one your comments and desire for a new chapter tell me you enjoy my story and so long as they are enjoyed I'll keep writing. I know Blurr origin is a little different from alignment to alignment but I refused to use his Robots In Disguise counterpart. You can say what you want about the Bumblebee cartoon but I do not associate that as canon to the Prime continuity. I think the bit of story I pulled from was the IDW verse, they do great stories and if I ever reference them in my fic. Sorry. There are gaps in the Prime verse prior to Earth so there. Please review and again hope you enjoyed.