Rewrite the Stars

by Wortho22

An unusual woman with a secret somehow finds herself caught up with a race of sentient alien robots in a battle to save Earth. Thinking herself destined to be alone, never to find love or the family she craves - fate has other ideas. Sometimes, the opportunity to rewrite your stars and change your destiny DOES come along - you just have to be brave enough to take it.

14. Chapter 14 - So it begins

Author's note:

Firstly, if you are reading this THANKS for sticking around and wading through my story! I know it is a bit – wordy. 😊I noticed I have a few followers and a fav – inspires me to keep going - appreciate it!

Secondly, there are probably some of you who will read this chapter and disagree with how I have told how Optimus Prime came to be Optimus Prime.I know there are various storylines and cannons, but I chose to go with this one – kind of a mishmash. If you disagree, or don't like it, feel free to call someone who cares OR simply insert your own internal monologue until you are satisfied you can once again resume reading my story. 😊

Thanks, and enjoy.

Chapter 14: So it begins….

. . . ?/.

My alarm had rudely awoken me at 5am to allow me time to meet Lennox and the others at 6am as agreed. Despite a relatively early night, crashing out about 10pm, I was still very much aggrieved at having to drag my arse out of bed at this ungodly hour. Fumbling with my alarm, I threw the covers off and sat up, blinking rapidly in a bid to wake myself up from this nightmare. Stumbling into the bathroom, I began my morning ablutions ready to take on the day.

Emerging only twenty minutes later I changed into a pair of dark denim jeans, black button up shirt and Colorado boots. Definitely not a fashionista was I, especially at 5:30 bloody am! I quickly fixed a breakfast of toast and Chai tea (supplies I had grabbed form a corner store on the way home) and headed out to Relda. As I finished munching away my honey toast, I resolved to find somewhere that sold vegemite. Any self-respecting Australian HAD to have a jar on standby!

Driving through the streets towards the Autobot N.E.S.T hangers, I was struck by how many people were already up and about. /Welcome to military life/ I thought absent mindedly. The morning sky was being streaked with brilliant colours as the new day arrived and I pulled up out the front of hanger 1 fifteen minutes early.

Looking rather pleased with myself, I locked Relda's door and made my way inside, nodding my head to the various military personnel who passed me. There were some ''looks'' of ''who the hell is that and what is she doing here?'' but no one tackled me - so far so good.

Major Lennox was already inside with Epps and the Autobots. Apparently my 15 min early arrival was still late. My smile faded.

''Ahh OC, so nice of you to join us,'' Lennox teased as he walked briskly past me.

''Morning to you too Lennox, Epps, Autobots,'' I nodded to everyone in turn. ''Oh, Lennox?'' He stopped in his tracks and turned to face me. I proffered my Chai tea to him, ''would you like a hot cup of kiss my arse?''

Jazz snapped his metallic fingers again, ''Ouch! She got you good again Lennox. Way to go lil' lady.'' Jazz smiled fondly at me and I felt myself beam at his praise and the fact I had indeed managed to burn Lennox.

The smile disappeared from Lennox's face except for his eyes. Epps laughed and Ironhide spoke up in a gruff and grumpy tone, ''You might want to pace yourselves you pair, the sun has not long risen.''

I bit back a snarky reply, /walls, remember the walls… we are taking them down not ''building them up!/. ''Good point Ironhide. I'll play nice.''

There was silence. Epps and Lennox raised their eyebrows and The Autobots tilted their heads to the side. I wasn't sure if the shock was due to me surrendering so quickly or the fact I had spoken civilly to Ironhide. ''Seriously guys, if I had a white flag, I would wave it. We have work to do and I promised Prime I would make him proud of me, one thing you will learn about me is I keep my promises. Now. What's the plan for the day?'' I asked cheerfully.

''The plan Orianna, is for Major Lennox, Captain Epps and myself to report back to General Morshower regarding the strategies N.E.S.T intend to implement in hunting down and despatching of Decepticons,'' Prime spoke for the first time. ''It is important we don't allow the Decepticons too much time to regroup and strike again. Without Megatron leading them they are vulnerable and so we must act swiftly if we are to neutralise their threat.'' Prime blinked those penetrating azure eyes in my direction.

''That's a good plan Prime.'' A thought popped into my head. ''And by the way, you can call me OC if you like. Orianna seems, well, rather formal.''

Optimus nodded, his eyes shining, ''Very well – OC''.

I couldn't help but smile at the sound of my nickname being spoken in that delicious deep voice. I shook my head slightly to refocus. ''So - while you are all doing that, what are the rest of us doing?'' I asked earnestly.

''Well OC, Ironhide and Rachet are going to be liaising with Major Lennox's teams to begin refitting what will be our medical hanger and our quarters.'' He added belatedly, ''Though the medical hanger takes priority at the moment,'' Optimus cast a quick glance in Rachet's direction.

It seemed to me that although Prime's authority was absolute and he seemed to fear nothing, that very subtle, very brief exchange indicated to me that perhaps Prime was not totally unafraid. It would perhaps be wise of me to keep on the good side of ''Nurse Rachet''. I held in a little snigger at the analogy of a 20-foot alien robot with the sadistic nurse from ''One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.''

I nodded biting my lip softly to keep from sniggering at my own silly thoughts, ''And Jazz?'' I queried.

Jazz's upbeat voice cut in, ''I get the privilege of kickin' it with you lil' lady! Prime thought I might be a startin' point for you ta learn about us Autobots.''

''Cool, sounds great!'' I was genuinely happy to be hanging out with Jazz, I liked him. ''So, I got an idea Jazz. If Prime and the others can spare you how about we take off for a ride around the island. That way we can both check out our surrounds, you can protect me if the need arises and I can ask you some questions without getting underfoot?''

''Fine by me OC, I love to cruise around,'' the SIC turned his head to Prime asking for consent.

''That is acceptable OC, very good reasoning,'' a small ''smile'' graced Prime's lips /SO going to ask what their body parts are!/ ''If we have need of either of you, we shall contact Jazz or your mobile phone. Enjoy your morning,'' and with that Prime turned around and reengaged in discussion with Epps and Lennox.

''Well, let's get goin' then. Catch ya later guys, some of us have work to do!'' Jazz transformed into his sleek sports car mode and I jumped in quickly before Ironhide had a chance to bitch.

We sped off out of the hanger in a south-easterly direction heading in an anti-clockwise direction around the small island. At the speed we were going we would be back here in 10 minutes. As we got further out of sight, I tapped Jazz's dashboard, ''Hey, show pony? Fancy slowing down a bit so I can actually see what the island looks like?''

Even though Jazz was in his car mode I could hear his voice, he chuckled before adding, ''My bad OC, just been itching to stretch my ''legs,'' Jazz apologised.

'S''okay. I don't blame you for wanting to put some distance between you and the eighth dwarf, ''Snarky'' aka Ironhide.''

There was a moments silence as Jazz quickly googled the meaning of my comment, then there was another chuckle. ''He can be a bit grumpy or ''bitchy'' as you humans tend to say. But, ol' Hide isn't all prickles and stings. He is actually a very loyal and caring mech. You just got to get to know him.''

''Mech?'' I asked. Here we go, my education starts now.

''Well a mech is I guess equivalent to your men or males and before you ask the women or, females, are called ''femmes.''

''Right, so guys = mechs and girls = femmes,'' not so hard to understand. ''Why is he so grumpy then? Old age?''

Jazz scoffed, ''You could say that. Us Transformers live a hell of a lot longer than you organic based life forms do. For instance, you'd be what….''

I cut in, ''Careful Jazz! The next words you say could be your last, we women can be sensitive about our age being brought up, just F.Y.I in the interest of exchanging cultural information etc.'' I smiled to his presence.

''So what, you'd be in your mid 30's?'' I could hear Jazz's voice trail off uncertain if he had just signed his death warrant.

''Well done Jazz! But not quite. I am actually 40, but thanks for the forewarned discretion,'' I had a teasing tone in my voice. ''So, I am not quite young but certainly not old by any means. Approaching middle age, I guess.''

''Right, for us Autobots, Bumblebee is the youngest, in human terms he would be the typical teenager. He is actually, and hold on to your mind here little lady, about 4 million years old.''

''Holy shit! That is amazing!'' My mind reeled. A took a moment to process this. After a moment I finally spoke again, ''So, if Bee is 4 million years old and he is the youngest, Prime, I am assuming is the oldest of you and he would be..''

''About 9 million years old give or take… and that doesn't count his life before becoming Prime, when he was just Orion Pax.''

My heart actually stopped. How could something that is not a mountain range, or a planet live that long and show no real signs of aging by the way? ''You aren't shitting me are you Jazz?''

''I swear on the Allspark OC, all true.'' Jazz's voice was the most serious I had heard it.

''Wait a second,'' something I had just heard popped in my mind,'' You said before he became Prime, does that mean Optimus has not always been Optimus? How is this possible? And what is a Prime anyway, I mean clearly, he is a leader of some sort.'' I was genuinely interested in learning about the Autobots, truth be told, especially in Optimus, he intrigued me. We had rounded the southern tip of the island ''Turtle Bay''. Jazz kept driving despite the sand and the water looking inviting.

''Well, in the simplest way without frying your brain - Oh frag it! Let's start at the start.'' With that Jazz pulled over to the side of the road, opened his door to let me out and then transformed. We walked the short distance to sit down by the beach. Quite a lovely spot actually but I was far more interested in what Jazz was about to tell me than the scenery.

''You see Transformers, most of us, believe we were born or created from the ''Well of the Allspark'', the mystical font from which Primus, our God, birthed our Cybertronian Race.'' Jazz shrugged his metal shoulders, ''I guess it's our version of ''Robot Heaven'' to put it in terms you would understand.'' I nodded to show I followed. ''Well, when Prime was first brought into existence, he was not Optimus Prime as you know him now but a much different mech called Orion Pax, smaller, less important and a lot nerdier than he is now.''

I giggled. Nerdy would not be a word one would use to describe Optimus Prime.

Jazz continued, ''Orion Pax was an archivist or a data clerk, he loved history and felt there was much we could learn from it. Whilst Orion Pax was not yet Optimus as we know him, they both had similar characteristics, most of which made the transition into the conscience and spark of Optimus when he was re-built''.

''Wait? Hold up a second? Built? How did he stop being Orion? What is a spark?'' I had so many questions.

Jazz held his hands up in mock defeat, ''Slow down! We got time OC. Well a spark is our version of a heart I guess you could say, your heart beats, our spark pulses. It houses our very essence, our soul if you will. Orion ceased being Orion and became Optimus after Orion was killed in an explosion fighting someone he had previously looked up to and admired. You see, Orion was killed by - Megatron.''

My mouth flew open. '' !'' I screamed.

Jazz stopped talking.

When he didn't start again, I had to explain how it was just a phrase. ''So, you're telling me that Optimus Prime – the Optimus Prime who just helped kill Megatron was once a fanof Megatron?''

''Hard to believe isn't it?''

''Ya think! I thought the age thing was hard to process but that - Mind blown!'' I scrunched my eyebrows up in thought. ''Jazz, if Orion looked up to Megatron, then why did he die fighting him?''

What passed as a smile appeared on Jazz's face. ''You are a quick study aren't you?'' Jazz said with a little pride. ''Orion had begun to see how power hungry Megatron was. He had thought Megatron, or Megatronous as he was known then, wanted equality for all and a change in the status quo that would benefit all Cybertronians – turns out power corrupts the hearts of many.'' Jazz's optics seemed to dull for a moment as he recalled painful memories and narratives. ''Orion lost faith in Megatron and stood up to him but was clearly no match. He both died and was reborn that day.'' Jazz's voice trailed off and he looked out over the ocean.

After a moment, Jazz turned to face me, ''He was rebuilt by Alpha Trion, a very wise, very old Autobot, as Optimus Prime, a mech that was stronger and more able to endure what was to come. He was a natural born leader, wise, courageous and selfless to a fault and he has led us ever since and we have followed willingly. I don't think there is an Autobot among us who would not lay down their life for Prime – as we know he would do the same for us. He is quite the mech.''

''I'll say'', the words were out before I had time to realise what I had said. Jazz looked at me his head tilted. ''I mean, of course he is! He is imposing, regal, brave yadda yadda…'' Jazz nodded slowly as if comprehending something.

''You know Prime wasn't the only one who died that day. He had a girlfriend, Ariel.'' Jazz's expression softened.

My eyes must have looked as round as dinner plates. ''He what? Had a girlfriend?'' My mind reeled taking in this new information.

''She was rebuilt too, into Elita 1, and she helped lead the femme Autobot resistance on Cybertron. You see, Optimus and Elita 1 were spark bonded.'' Jazz looked at me with a penetrating gaze.

''What do you mean by that? Spark bonded. A spark is a like a heart so does that mean they were like…'' I started to gesture with my hands as though I could somehow pluck the words from the very air. At my obvious inability to put thoughts into words Jazz stepped in.

''It means they shared their sparks, bonded, joined by the spark in mutual affection and love. And yes, before you ask Transformers, Autobots, can feel and express ''love'' though maybe not in the same way you humans do. Prime and Elita were once in love.''

I titled my head as I processed this new information. ''Once? What happened? They break up or something?'' I asked, a slight tinge of hope in my voice and I mentally slapped myself for several reasons.

''Not quite. You see, when Prime left Cybertron in search of the Allspark with his crew, Elita 1 stayed behind to continue the fight, both were naively unaware of how long they would be separated. We would hear from time to time of Elita and her femmes but after a while - nothing. The fighting had gotten so fierce it seemed they had perished. Prime's link, or bond, with Elita faded. At one point they could hear each other's thoughts and feel each other's emotions through their bond, but due to distance, time and, sadly death, the bond fades or is broken. Most bonded Transformers die not long after their partner does, but Prime, being our leader and being the mech he is, did not allow his broken spark to completely shatter. He has changed a bit since then, but only to those who know him best.''

''And that would be?'' I asked trying to change the subject from the melancholy turn it had taken.

''Ironhide has known him the longest. Ol' Hide is actually older than Prime.''

''Oh, I believe it,'' I snickered.

''Rachet and I make up the rest of the list of those mechs who know him best. Bee is too young and also a little too hero struck. He worships Prime. Truth be told, we all do.'' Jazz gave the equivalent of a shrug.

''Not hard to see why really Jazz.'' I patted his leg. ''So, a few more questions and then I promise we'll take off again.''

''Shoot OC,'' Jazz had perked up again.

''So, given all the age stuff we were just talking about, do Transformers have ''birthdays'' like humans do? Do they acknowledge the day they were created in the Well of the Allspark?'' I was curious to know how their culture celebrated what was to humans, a big deal. Well, most of the time.

''Um not really. There are some Transformers who mark the day of their creation but that is only a few, none that I know of. I think it is more a human fascination and observance.'' Jazz turned to face me, ''Why do you ask?''

''I was just wondering if you did when all of your birthdays would be so we could celebrate them. You see to me, a little ol'' human, birthdays are usually important events. Having said that, given I have been alone for a while I have kind of forgone the usual celebration, what's the point when there is no one to celebrate with,'' my voice trailed off and I could feel a sadness settle around my heart.

Jazz must have noticed as he gently placed his large metal hand around my back, ''Don't you worry lil' lady, you got me now, well us - all of us. We are your family now. You are not alone anymore, promise.''

I swiped away at a tear that threatened to fall. ''Thanks Jazz, that means a lot.''

''Happy to help baby girl. Say. When is your birthday anyway?'' Jazz cocked his head to one side.

''Um, it was actually a few weeks ago, 7th June, my 40th birthday.'' A milestone birthday, ignored and forgotten.

''Well ''Happy Birthday'' OC, for what it's worth anyway.'' Jazz offered.

''Thanks Jazz, you're the first to wish me a happy birthday.'' I beamed up at him and his face broke out into a smile too, or what I assumed was a smile. /That reminds me/. ''Say Jazz?''

''Yeah?''

''So, do you guys have lips or what? Totally unrelated question in case you hadn't noticed.''

Jazz simply laughed, ''I had. And yes, we do but we don't call them that we call them ''dermas.''

''Ok and what do you call your hands?''

''Servos.'' He paused for a second. ''OC, are we about to have an anatomy class 101?'' Jazz asked with some trepidation.

''Uh, possibly? Is that ok?'' I asked hoping it would be.

''Sure, I guess. But Rachet is probably the best one to talk to about that stuff. Anyway, I'll get you started on the basics, can we roll out though? I am keen to drive around more''.

''Sure, suits me. In fact, I could really go an ice-cold Pepsi Max right about now''. It was 11am. We had been driving and talking for about 4 hours.

''What is that?'' Jazz stood up gracefully ready to transform.

''It's a kind of drink, or beveridge. Some humans love it, some humans hate it. It's kinda like my energon.'' Jazz simply nodded and transformed. /Would I ever get used to seeing that?/.

I jumped in and we took off back towards base and the promise of refreshments. Jazz educating me in basic Transformer physiology and anatomy along the way. So far this morning I had learned about sparks, body parts, mechs and femmes, spark bonding and a bit about Optimus Prime's past. All in all, a very successful start to my new role.

Still, I couldn't help feeling sorry for Prime. He had been through so much heartache, pain and stress for so long and still he endured for those he cared about. I just hoped deep down in my ''spark'' that I had somehow made that list too. I didn't want to examine why, I just knew I wanted to be as important to him as his ''men'' were.