Jack groaned as the teacher announced the assignment.

"I want each one of you to create a family tree, you get to choose which media you want to use. Whether you make a movie or a poster board. This assignment will be due by the end of the quarter that gives you all 3 weeks. More than enough time."

Jack sat back in his chair, great. He ran his hand over his face. Now he would have to try to get his mom to talk about his dad. The school bell rang as Jack ran outside, Arcee was waiting for him. He grabbed her handlebars swinging up on her seat. Arcee noticed Jacks tense form and how quiet he was.

"Something wrong Jack?"

Jack sighed,

"My teacher assigned us a family tree assignment."

"Oh."

"Yeah, now I have to convince my mom to tell me about my dad."

Arcee felt sorry for Jack, she knew he and June had a strained relationship with him and that was all.

"When was the last time you saw him?"

Jack shrugged,

"Apparently when I was 5, he left. I really don't remember much about him."

They pulled through the ground bridge into base, Bulkhead and Bumblebee behind them. Jack went silent again as he climbed the stairs and flicked on the TV. It defiantly wasn't like Jack to brood but Arcee couldn't help him as Optimus immediately took her and Ratchet into the field. A relic had been unearthed and they were headed out to investigate. Jack watched Arcee go through the ground bridge, he wanted to tell her more about his father he just didn't know.

…

Arcee was pondering Jack as they walked toward the relic, Ratchet was in the lead with the scanner. He seemed deeply disturbed by the homework assignment. She only wished she could help him.

Optimus noticed Arcee's distance look, he slowed his pace to walk beside her, though she didn't seem to notice.

"Arcee."

Arcee jumped,

"Sir?"

Optimus raised an eyebrow,

"Focus on the mission at hand."

Arcee sighed,

"Sorry Optimus, its just Jack. He's acting strange today. I know why, well sort of I just wish I could help him."

Before Optimus could speak Ratchet stopped dead. He was standing alert to his full height, his head jerking to the left and right like he heard something. Optimus furrowed his eyebrows.

"Ratchet are you alright?"

Ratchet put his finger to his mouth.

"Shh…I heard something…"

He started walking again, though quietly. Arcee found it quiet amazing how quietly Ratchet could walk. For a medic who was often times just a plain grouch he was light footed, and his hearing was incredible. Ratchet halted them on a bluff, they looked down into the ravine were about a dozen vehicons were.

"There's the relic."

Ratchet pointed to a canister where three bots were guarding it. Optimus gauged the situation; it didn't appear that any commanders were around. He motioned for them to follow him, as they circled the troopers, surprising them as they leapt out into the clearing, the troopers were taken off guard and were disbanded quickly. Ratchet carefully opened the canister, inside was an octagonal device. It was black with gold inlay.

"What in Primus is it?"

Arcee picked up out of Ratchets hands. Ratchet shrugged running the scanner over it as Optimus held it next.

"It's got circuitry whatever it is. Best to get it back to my lab so I can…"

"Ouch!"

Arcee hollered stumbling backwards. Optimus and Ratchet looked at her.

"Arcee?"

Arcee shook her head looking at the two.

"I felt like someone was pulling me…ah."

She fell to the ground, before Optimus and Ratchet could reach her Ratchet fell to.

"What the scrap!"

He hollered; Optimus looked at the device in his hands. It was the only thing that made sense as he felt a twinge in his side. He threw the relic into the air and shot it, splintering it into a million pieces. Ratchet growled as the pain subsided.

"Optimus! What in spark did you do that for?"

Optimus looked at him,

"I am unclear what it was doing but it is obvious it was hurting us."

Ratchet picked up a few pieces, the wires were scorched.

"Maybe I can still figure out what its function is…was…"

He growled at Optimus as they came back through the portal. Whatever its function was they had managed this long without it.

Arcee looked up to the humans area, Jack was working on his homework while Miko watched Raph play his video game. He was focused and she didn't want to bother him.

…..

That night Arcee decided to stay in Jacks garage, this way she could be near him if he needed her. She was fast asleep when at about 3:30 am she jolted awake. A burning sensation coursing through her body. She gritted her teeth, trying not to cry out and wake Jack and June.

…..

Optimus practically fell out of his bed; his whole body was on fire. He clenched the sides of his bed with his hands twisting it as the pain intensified. What in the name of Cybertron was happening?

…

Ratchet had fallen asleep at his desk, when the pain awoke him. He fell to his knees gripping his chest. He reached up to try and pull himself back up off the ground only to collapse backwards as flaming pain ran through him.

…..

Jack was the first to wake up, he loved Saturdays. Him and Arcee normally would take a nice long ride and just enjoy each other's companies. He flicked on the TV, while he ate his breakfast. Arcee was a late sleeper on normal occasions, if she did decide to wake early, she let the whole house know it by revving her engines. Jack mosed through his morning routine before heading out to the garage, he was hoping to speak with Arcee today about enlisting her help in getting his mom to talk about his dad.

"Morning Arcee, sleep…"

He stopped dead, no motorcycle to be found just a woman laying unconscious. Jack ran over to her, she had a pulse and was alive. He looked around, where was Arcee and why was there a girl in his garage? He lifted her up and carried her inside calling for his mom as he laid on the sofa. June came running out tying her rob.

"Jack what's wrong?"

She stopped when she saw the girl, she looked to be in her later twenty's possibly early thirty's.

"Isn't she a little old for you Jack?"

June put her hands on her hips, Jack waved his hands.

"What! No! I found her in the garage. Arcee's gone, I have no idea where, but I found her."

June came over to check her vitals, when it hit Jack. The girl had on blue leather, biker clothing, her hair was black with pink highlights coming down around her face, and her eyes were a light blue.

"Mom…that is Arcee."

…

Optimus groaned; he slowly opened his eyes not remembering when the pain had stopped. A loud knocked came at the door.

"Optimus! Come quick!"

Optimus pushed himself up swinging over the bed only to fall, fast and hard to the ground. He yelped, pushing himself up realizing why he had fallen. His hand! They were human! He looked down at himself, his armor…it was clothes now! Another knock made him jump.

"Boss you in there?"

Optimus looked up at the door, he couldn't reach the handle.

"Yes, come in."

The door opened as a stream of light spilled into the room and onto Optimus. Bulkhead stepped in.

"Boss bot we got a…whoa!"

Optimus looked up at him, as another human popped his head over Bulkhead hand.

"Oh, Primus you to!"

Optimus recognized the voice.

"Ratchet?"

Bulkhead reached down and scooping Optimus into his other hand. His heart jolted as he was lifted off the ground and Bulkhead started walking again. Ratchet was sitting with his arms crossed over his chest. Optimus looked him,

"Is the relic responsible?"

Ratchet shrugged,

"I don't know since someone decided to blow it up!"

Optimus sighed, guilt hitting him. Bulkhead carefully placed the two of them on the humans platform.

"We have to go pick up the kids, will you tow be alright?"

Ratchet shrugged angrily,

"We will be fine Bulkhead, check in with Arcee, I fear she may have suffered the same fate."

Bulkhead nodded as he and Bee left the base. Ratchet was angrily tapping his foot. Optimus ignored him walking over a computer monitor to observe his new form. His hair was a dark brown color, his clothes resembled his armor, a grey t-shirt with a red sports coat, jeans, and boots. His eyes were light blue like Ratchets who wore a resemblance to his armor, it also resembled a human EMT uniform. He looked at his hands touching them together, it felt weird. His arm sporting a large black and blue mark from falling, he touched it only to get a painful response.

"Ouch…"

He whispered. Ratchet huffed,

"Serves you right."

Optimus rolled his eyes, hopefully Arcee had not shared their fate.

….

Arcee's eyes fluttered open to see June and jack standing above her,

"Arcee are you okay?"

Arcee groaned sitting up, she went wide eyed when she realized where she was.

"Am I inside your house?"

Jack smirked,

"Yeah um…there is something you should know."

He handed her a mirror as Arcee gasped; she touched the pink hair that was curled on the sides of her face.

"Ew pink really!"

Jack laughed,

"you have pink normally."

Arcee replied still looking at herself in shock, ignoring Jacks comment as a familiar beeped echoed outside.

"Bulkhead?"

Arcee looked out the window.

"At least we got a ride."

The two rushed out jumping to Bulkhead cab,

"You too huh?"

Bulkhead asked nonchalantly much to Arcee and Jacks surprise.

"Wait who else was turned human?"

Bulkhead chuckled slightly; it wasn't funny but yet it was.

"Ratch and Optimus."

Everyone gasped.

…

Back at the base everyone was trying to work out what to do. Jack, Miko, and Raph stood near Optimus, Ratchet, and Arcee. As Ratchet and Arcee argued back and forth. Jack noticed that Optimus appeared to be around mid-40s while Ratchet appeared to be mid-50s, possibly 60s. He knew Ratchet was older then Optimus but to see it in a human perspective made it easier to grasp.

Miko looked at Jack,

"I have a plan follow my lead."

Jack watched Miko walk over to them.

"Hey guys…GUYS!"

She hollered at them, they all stopped and turned to her.

"maybe this isn't so bad, I mean you are always wanting to learn more about us humans and now you can see the world from our view. Its Saturday so why don't we take you all out and show you what that looks like."

Optimus raised his eyebrows looking at Arcee and Ratchet. They both reluctantly agreed to go, Jack stepped forward.

"My mom has off today, she could take us into Virginia City. It's a bit bigger then Jasper."

Optimus nodded,

"Thank you, Jackson."

A about an hour later June pulled in, Miko and Raph had opted to stay behind with their partners to keep they company, specially since Junes car only sat 5 and Miko had no desire to hang out with Ratchet. June jumped into the drivers seat, revving up the engine. Jack turned to Optimus,

"You want shotgun?"

Optimus's formed into a quizzical one.

"Shotgun?"

Jack smirked,

"it's a term, it means the front seat."

Optimus was still confused; Jack shook his with a chuckled.

"Just get in."

He opened the door up for Optimus. Optimus climbed inside; it was odd being this small. Jack climbed into the back with Arcee and Ratchet. Jack sat in the middle to keep the peace between the two of them. Ratchet had a scowl on his face the whole time as they drove through the ground bridge and toward the city. Optimus studied Junes driving, it looked hard then what he imagined. Being a vehicle he just…drove…didn't even really think about it. He watched June shift her foot back and forth between the gas and break, using her turn signal, and mirrors. The car was silent,

"Mom turn on some music."

June reached over her eyes still on the road as she turned the dials.

"You have tuned into 108.6 FM Nevada's top station for the latest hits. Songs you love to sing along to, song to help you with your day! Up Next: 30 Seconds to Mars brings us This is War!"

Jack nodded to the tune,

"I love this song."

He looked at the bots, they seemed to be listening. Arcee was even bobbing her head. He suddenly felt bad,

"Uh you guys can change it if you want."

Arcee shushed him,

"Shhh."

Jack shrugged, they listened to the radio the whole way there. No one seemed interested in speaking. Jack leaned forward slightly catching Optimus who seemed to bobbing his head to the music. He smirked, good call on his part.

June pulled into the Virginia City square,

"We are here."

They all stepped out of her car.

"Any body have any place in particular they want to start?"

The three bots looked at each other, Jack smirked.

"How about the mall? Plenty of shops and humans around."

The three looked at him nodding. Jack lead the way with June. Optimus followed behind with Arcee at his side and Ratchet dragging behind them. Jack glanced over his shoulder.

"Pick up the pace Ratchet, don't want to loose you in this crowd."

The thought of being lost amongst humans sent a shiver up Ratchet he jogged a little to get right behind Optimus. Optimus smiled slightly; Jack seemingly had taken charge. It put the Prime at ease, he was out of his element, unsure of what to do. Jack and June held open the doors for the three as they entered in,

"Whoa!"

Arcee exclaimed as they walked through, Jack was giving them facts on different things they past and what certain things were. Arcee's eyes caught a bright pink sign, she walked over to it.

"Victoria's secret?"

Arcee turned to Jack, Jack stammered,

"Uh well Um…Mom you want to take this one?"

Jack face was red, Optimus had learned that was a sign of embarrassment in humans. June chuckled.

"How about I tell you later Arcee, it's a little compli…"

"June?"

June whipped around; a man came toward him. Jack recognized him from pictures.

"no."

He whispered; he was standing next to Optimus who heard him.

"What are you doing here Connor?"

June put her hands on her hips, glaring at him.

"I've been trying to find you. You're not an easy woman to find."

June scoffed,

"What do you want?"

Connor shook his head his eyes landing on Jack.

"Jackson is that you?"

Jack nodded slowly; June jumped in front of him.

"You aren't coming anywhere near him Connor. So, I suggest you go back to where you came from and forgot you ever saw us."

Connor looked at her a smile on his face,

"Baby come on, I came back to say I'm sorry and that I want to make amends."

June marched over to him,

"I am not your baby, and its too late for that."

Connor held up his hands,

"I understand, you don't trust me. I want to prove to you that you can trust me. Please give me a chance."

Jack had come up behind her, placing a hand on her shoulder. June looked at him. Connor looked Jack up and down.

"My you've grown."

"It's been 12 years…"

"You're 17! Wow, I have a lot of time to make up for."

June shook her head,

"Never Connor, now leave."

Connor gave Jack one last look,

"I'll see you guys later."

He turned and walked away. June sighed deeply.

"Mom, we need to talk when we get home. I need to know, specially now if he going to be poking around why he left."

Junes face fell,

"I suppose it's time you knew."

…

Jack sat at the table; June sat across from him. Jack had sked for Optimus to be present, along with Arcee. Ratchet had waved his hand saying he had more concerning matters, which had earned him a scowl from Optimus. June took a deep breathe.

"Jack, 12 years ago your father didn't leave…I kicked him out."

Jacks eyes went wide, his heart plummeted.

"But you always said he left…why did you lie?"

June closed her eyes,

"Jack, your father was an acholic and a gambler, he would take all the money I made and loose it. When he would come home from the bar drunk…"

June lowered her eyes, wiping away tears.

"He would beat you…and me."

Optimus felt it wasn't his place here, his glances with Arcee said she felt the same, but they were here to support Jack. Jack felt his head spinning as June continued.

"One night he came home late and drunk, you woke up when you heard him come stumbling up the stairs. In his drunken, pathetic state he pushed you down them. You were knocked out, with 3 broken ribs."

Jack shook his head; he couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"I called the police and they took him in, he was given a restraining order, and was told to leave town. I packed us up and moved here. Being an RN, specially an ER RN, I can get a job anywhere."

June looked over at Jack, he was breathing heavily.

"Mom…"

June felt her heart stop.

"I understand."

She took a relieved breath,

"I would have done the same thing."

He stood up walking over to her and giving her a hug. June embraced him tightly. Optimus looked over at Arcee who was smiling. He was happy they had worked it out, though he felt bad for the boy. He would have never guessed he had been through such trauma. Jack was truly an amazing human, one that Optimus saw a bright future ahead for.