Chapter 5
Crisis City
Stripes' drive down the highway through an abandoned town. The sun was already down, and the moon lit the landscape. He had taken to calling this place, "Crisis City" since it was hit hardest economically by the financial crisis and the Autobot/Decepticon battles that had occurred before. The drive was uneventful until he saw he was being tailed by a black Nissan 240 Z.
"Great, what now?" He thought.
He pulled over, hoping the Z would just pass and go on. However, it surprised Stripes even more that it pulled over behind him.
But that was nothing compared to the rush back of memories he got when the driver stepped out of the car and spoke one name. The name Stripes went by when he used to be human.
"Carlos?!"
It was then that it dawned on the Autobot! Stripes recognized that face anywhere! It was his old friend, Jack Rourke!
"Carlos, I… I don't know how to say this, or if this is even you… But if it is, just give me a sign!"
Stripes changed modes right on cue. He bent down on one knee, looking at Jack.
"Long time, old friend..." Stripes said. "Don't be afraid. This is… What I am now." Stripes could sense the fear radiating off his friend from days gone by.
"What… What happened?" Jack finally asked after getting up the courage.
"It's a very long story." Stripes said. "Though if I remember correctly, you are really into those."
Jack laughed, as he had no more doubt.
This was his old friend from all those years ago! Just a different body. Or in this case, chassis.
"Come on, we'll talk about it on the road back to the others. Just… Don't be surprised if they don't warm up to you right away. Trust among humans to them has been… at a premium. Also, do me a a favor: Swear on your honor, and your car collection to not tell anyone else about me or the others. It will only bring trouble."
"You have my word. On my honor, and car collection." Jack said.
They then got back into their cars, and started to drive back to the Junkyard.
Meanwhile, back at the Junkyard…
Optimus had just gotten back to the Earth. At the moment, he was creeping through the Junkyard, looking for Starblossom. After a while of looking and scanning, he found her asleep, in recharge near an old canopy next to the Junkyard's garage. He bent down, and ran a finger across her helm. He needed to bring her back. He had caused her enough pain by being away so long.
Soon, nothing would separate them again, and their planet Cybertron would be restored.
A new golden age...