The Return of the Thylacine
Disclaimer: Transformers are the copyright of Hasbro and Takara. This work of fiction is written solely for entertainment purposes and is not intended for profit.
Author's Note(s): This story is dedicated in memory of Benjamin, the last known living thylacine who died on September 7th, 1936 at the Beaumaris Zoo in Hobart, Tasmania.
This story follows Season 2 of the G1 Transformers, but should also be considered AU for several reasons:
1: The setting is modern day instead of the 1980s. Some liberties have been taken.
2: Some concepts from later renditions such as the All Spark and Primus will be acknowledged.
3: The elements and subject matter of the story will deal with mature themes that would not be found in a series targeted at children.
Chapter 3: It Wasn't Supposed To Be Like This
Beachcomber perked up as people were filling up the seats of the amphitheater. He used his optic sensors to zoom in on the stage. It had an overhanging roof towered over and curved around the platform. The back of the stage was obscured by heavy red curtains. Soon the thylacine would make her debut. Feelings of anticipation creeped up Beachcomber's tires and up into his chassi. To think the humans were able to bring back extinct members of the Earth's inhabitants. Just as well that they did-they were the ones who senselessly slaughtered the thylacines by the thousands, and for what? Unfounded claims that these poor creatures killed livestock? What a bogus claim. The geologist reminded himself public perceptions about animals had changed since the early 20th century and the public consensus today was to protect and preserve them-at least for most humans anyway.
The others were now awake. Spike, Carly and Chip were seated around a table underneath a pull-out canopy on the side of the winnebago. Sparkplug stayed behind with the autobots. He was seated in his lounger with a soda in hand. He would have preferred a beer, but he wanted to keep his wits about him. His nap ended early by a visit from security. They informed him protesters had gathered outside the compound since the afternoon and were steadily increasing. A decision was made to carry business as usual, but a contingency plan would be implemented should things get out of hand. Try as he might to convince the kids to stay close to the autobots, they wanted to be closer to the action. Sparkplug reluctantly agreed to their wishes, but asked Beachcomber to rouse the sleeping autobots. He filled them in with the situation. They agreed to use their computers to monitor things.
Beachcomber used his computer to send a text message to Optimus Prime: So far so good, but protesters are gathering outside the expo. We are on standby in case we have to step in. Both Sunstreaker and Tracks did well in the car show. Tracks even won best in show. He's feeling better.
Good. I am glad to hear they had a good time. responded Optimus, also using text mode. We are aware of the protester activity. I will be headed your way with several autobots soon. I am sending Powerglide ahead of us. We will keep at an arm's reach unless you need assistance. Should that need arise, it's up to the three of you to protect our friends and the other people until we get there.
Understood. Beachcomber texted.
Things seemed calm at the moment. He refocused his optic sensors on the stage. The curtain opened enough for two men to come out. One older-a caucasian probably in his early sixties. He was stocky and broad-shoulders. His head was bald except for tufts of white that covered the back of his head. He wore a tailored blue suit with a maroon silk tie with gold accents, and thick horn-rimmed glasses. His partner was middle-aged, taller, and slighter framed. He was dark complected with a full head of combed hair, accompanied by a nearly well-groomed beard. His suit and tie were black and fitted him well. The older man came up to a microphone and introduced himself as Jacob Thayer, the CEO of the Thayer Institute, and his associate as Doctor Ishir Patel, head of The Benjamin Project.
After his introduction, Dr. Patel took the microphone. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," he began, "Thank you for coming here tonight. We sincerely hope you are enjoying the 2022 World Expo. Although I am certain you have seen many wonderful exhibits such as the new hydrogen engine created by our partner, Kagayaku Motors. While it and the other exhibits will put us on the path to embracing renewable energy and a brighter future for our planet, perhaps our greatest achievement here is the resurrection of a species that met its end due the hubris of our own. I openly admit the development of cloning technology is controversial, but I also infer that if used correctly it can be the greatest instrument in righting the wrongs of our past. My team has spent the last decade decoding the genetic sequence of Thylacinus cynocephalus, perhaps better known to you as thylacine or tasmanian tiger. The thylacine was the largest carnivorous marsupial to survive into modern times. They were originally widespread throughout Papua New Guinea, Australia, and Tasmania, but went extinct two-thousand years ago, save for Tasmania. They managed to hang on until bounties were put on them by farmers in the late 1800s. They became increasingly scarce until the last known thylacine, a male named Benjamin, died at the Beaumaris Zoo in 1936. Benjamin's body was preserved and sent to the Tasmanian Museum where it was believed to be lost until it was discovered hidden in storage fifteen years ago. The Thayer Institute approached the museum and other facilities about acquiring DNA samples from 50 preserved individuals for our project, which we named in honor of Benjamin. We now introduce you to the results of our hard work. May I present to you, Benni, the first healthy thylacine to be cloned."
Dyani and Kota were backstage with a large animal crate. An animal was inside, pacing and occasionally standing up like a kangaroo. Itexpressed curiosity about all the commotion outside. One of Dr. Patel's assistants opened the door of the crate and attached a leash onto the collar the creature wore. it slowly followed her as it had been trained to do. Both emerged from behind the curtain to an astonished audience and constant flashing of cameras. The animal was indeed a thylacine.
Great maximus! thought Beachcomber. It's her! She is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.
She was similar in size to a german shepherd and resembled a dog. Her coat was made up of tawny-colored fur with dark brown stripes that began in the middle of the back and continued to the tip of a stiff, pointy tail.Tiny rounded ears stood erect, listening to the world around her. Her muzzle was somewhat elongated and capable of opening wider than any other mammal of the modern era.
Dr. Patel took the leash and presented the thylacine to the crowd. "This magnificent animal before you is none other than Benjamin, or rather his clone. We nicknamed her Benni after her namesake. She is a little over a year and a half old. Altogether we have successfully cloned 40 thylacines."
Benni made a noise that sounded somewhat like a bark. She showed little interest in the doctor's speech. She walked about the little freedom her leash allowed and paused to scratch an itch with her hind leg, not unlike a dog. She reared up and balanced on her tail like a kangaroo. Her black nose twitched as if she was sniffing at something.
I wonder if I could learn her language? Beachcomber pondered. All the autobots were equipped with built-in translators. The dune buggy would love to have the chance. He thought one of Benni's barks almost sounded like an expression of anxiousness. It didn't take Beachcomber to use a translator to understand that. The animal's behavior suggested that she seemed to sense something the human beings were oblivious to. Was she aware of their presence? Maybe it was the protestors she sensed?
Beachcomber texted to Tracks and Sunstreaker. Something's up. Did you notice how nervous the thylacine is?
There's a whole mob of people outside. Maybe several thousand. I don't like it. Tracks texted back.
Sunstreaker was annoyed. Would you both just calm your chassis?
Prime said he's headed our way. retaliated Beachcomber. You know he wouldn't unless there was something troubling him. You heard his orders.
There were thousands of protesters surrounding the compound-just as Tracks had said. Some of them were peaceful, but an increasing number of them were agitated and a handful getting physical with the security. All of them were chanting: "FREE THE TASMANIAN TIGER! ANIMALS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS! FREE THE TASMANIAN TIGER!" The chanting grew louder as more and more of the mob overwhelmed security. A new swarm had joined the throng. This new batch was armed with vehicles and weapons. The crowd gave way as a large black semi-truck roared through towards the main entrance. Cascades of bullets ricocheted off of its body and tires. Police and security dove for safety as it crashed through the gates. Protesters flooded in. The truck separated from the smaller vehicles and changed course towards the Kagayaku Motors exhibit. It halted amidst panicking people.
The three autobots transformed into robot mode. So much for their recreation. They surrounded Sparkplug to both protect him and decide what should be done.
"It's utter pandemonium," Tracks remarked, back-to-back with Sunstreaker.
The golden lamborgini snorted, "No shit, Sherlock! What are we supposed to do about it?"
"There is one thing," interjected Sparkplug. "We need to find the kids."
"I'm on it!" cried Beachcomber. He used his radio to contact Spike, who wore a smart-watch like device with a built-in communicator. "Beachcomber to Spike. Do you copy?"
"This is Spike," the youth's voice responded. "Beachcomber? Where are you guys?"
"We're with your father. Are you all safe?"
"Yeah, we're still in the amphitheater. The thylacine is freaking out."
Beachcomber radioed, "The protesters just broke through with a convoy."
"A convoy?" Spike's voice displayed concern. "Beachcomber, protesters aren't usually armed."
The dune buggy considered this. "Great Maximus!" he exclaimed.
"Decepticons?" asked Sunstreaker with puzzlement.
"But we didn't sense any Decapticons," Tracks replied. "What the devil is going on?"
Spike sounded even more worried. "It could be them. Carly's been talking with security. She's coming back." There was a brief pause from Spike. The autobots could hear him talking with Carly and Chip before responding back. "Carly says security is making us stay put until they're ready to evacuate to an emergency shelter. We're stuck."
Beachcomber relayed the situation to Sparkplug. "Your father says to do as they say. Optimus Prime and others are en route."
"Okay," Spike said, "Keep dad safe."
Sparkplug looked grim. "If it is the Decepticons, we're in a sticky wicket. How long until Prime can get here?"
Tracks scanned in the direction of the Arc. He couldn't read Prime yet, but he could read Powerglide. "He's too far out to track, but Powerglide is just about here. I just sent him our location."
Sunstreaker cracked his knuckles together. "Good. We need to stop messing around and start kicking ass!"
"Idiot! We can't sense them for some reason," Tracks lashed out snarkily.
"Then let's find them!" retaliated Sunstreaker. He started running towards the direction of the protesters.
Tracks sighed and followed after the headstrong lamborghini. "Beachcomber, protect Sparkplug!"
Benni began pacing frantically about the stage. She let out a series of loud barks and growls. Dr. Patel did his best to restrain her, but it seemed as if her strength had doubled with the adrenaline. It took every ounce of doctor's own to maintain control. He managed to get the thylacine safely behind the curtain as Mr. Thayer and the head of security came on stage trying to keep the audience calm.
Kota looked scared when he saw Benni pulling Dr. Patel towards her crate. "Is it bad?" he asked.
Dr. Patel didn't answer. "Open the crate!" he ordered.
Dyani opened the door just in time for the thylacine to leap inside and curl herself into a tight ball. She tried to reach in to comfort the animal, but the doctor shoved her aside. "Make yourselves useful and get the van ready!" she heard him say in a condescending tone. She hated Dr. Patel more and more. She gave him a middle finger salute.
Kota gave the doctor a dirty look and joined Dayani with opening the van. "What an asshole," he hissed under his breath.
"I agree," answered Dyani while securing cables, "he sees dollar signs in place of a living creature."
Benni's crate was lifted up by Doctor Patel's assistants and rushed to the van. The thylacine started thrashing about inside, growling and hissing. Her hearing and sense of smell were far superior to those of humans. She caught the wind of something alien to her. Whatever it was was beyond her scope of understanding, but she knew it was dangerous.
Dyani fastned the cables around the crate. "It's okay, Benni," she soothed.
"Keep that animal quiet!" Dr. Patel instructed. He turned to Kota. "And you, the other girl. Contact your father and tell him to prepare us an escort out of here."
The boy's fists clenched. "I'm a he!"
The doctor glared. "I don't care!" he barked, with contempt, "I've told you before, I can make your time with the institute a living hell. The choice is yours. What will it be?"
Kota bowed his head. "Okay," he whispered dejectedly. He took out his phone and autodialed his father only to have it go to voicemail. Kota began to worry. "He's not answering. Something's wrong!"
The scientist became irate. He grabbed Kota by the shirt and pulled him up to meet his face. "Go get your father, now!"
Two fists struck Dr. Patel in the back so hard that he dropped the boy. A barrage of blows whaled on him. "Don't you ever lay a hand on Kota again or I'll kill you!" Dyani shoulted. She kept punching until two assistants pulled her off and restrained her. "Run Kota! Go see if your dad's okay!" She continued to yell.
The young Japanese boy hesitated. He looked like a deer caught in the headlights. He wanted to protect his friend.
"Get the hell out of here!" He heard Dyani shout once more until Dr Patel, now recovered, reached out and grabbed her by the throat. The fingers of his shaking hand clenched into a tight fist and squeezed. "Your father and an escort out of here, or I'll snap her neck. I'm not playing, girl!"
Kota came out of shock. "Okay, I'll go get him. Please don't hurt Dyani."
The thylacine's ears pressed flat against her head. She growled from within the crate. The commotion had spooked her.
Dyani was thrown violently against the inside of the van. Doctor Patel produced a gun concealed under his jacket and pointed at her. A chill ran down her spine as she heard a familiar click. She heard Dr. Patel speak so calmly it scared her.
"Listen well," he hissed like a snake, "I should shoot you for that, but I have something else in mind...later. For now, keep that animal quiet. If you try to pull another stunt like that I'll kill you on the spot."
Dyani huddled close to the crate. "It's okay, Benni," she whispered. Was it though? The girl felt hot tears stream down her face. She opened the door just enough to pet the thylacine. The animal responded positively to a familiar touch.
Beachcomber pushed Sparkplug into a cluster of trees and shrubbery as four vehicles plowed through the trailers. Unfortunately, Sparkplug's own winnebago was amongst the casualties. Beachcomber transformed into alt-mode. "Get in," he said. Sparkplug was happy to oblige, although internally, he was mourning the loss of the camper he spent months saving up for.. Beachcomber sped off after them. He tried his best to navigate the rubble. His alt-mode was up for it, but he felt bad that poor Mr. Witwicky was being jouseled about like a rag doll. It couldn't be helped. They followed the vehicles. They were all black and had the same shape. Their erratic driving pattern seemed so familiar. They surrounded a large van with the logo of the Thayer Research Institute on the side and transformed into robots of various shapes and sizes. Beachcomber stopped dead in his tracks. "Stunticons!"
One of them eyed the dune buggy. It was Wildrider. With a sneer, he leapt up and landed behind Beachcomber to cut off any chance of retreat. "How cute," he laughed, "If it isn't Beachcomber and a flesh creature out for a joyride? You see those fleshies in the earth vehicle? I can't guarantee they'll make it out alive if you try to be a hero."
Inside the van, Dyani hugged Benni, who was howling in terror at the sight of giant metal monsters. The girl screamed and closed her eyes while her fingers buried tightly into the thylacine's fur.
Dr. Patel fired off his gun at one of the robots. The bullets bounced off its metallic legs without causing damage. A giant hand reached in and grabbed the scientist and caused him to drop the gun. Drag Strip lifted the scientist up to his face. "Is this one of the fleshies Megatron wants?" he asked Dead End.
"Probably," Dead End answered, while shredding the van's hood so he and Breakdown could carefully extract the hydrogen engine.
Drag Strip sat down on the back of the van and waved the scientist around like a toy plane. "Fly flesh creature!"
"Stop pissing around! If you make us fuck up this engine recovery, Megatron's going to tear out our limbs!" Breakdown warned. He was already feeling on edge. If one autobot was around, more were bonus to show up.
The paranoia unphased Drag Strip. He bound Dr. Patel with energon chains and threw him to the ground. He peered back in at the petrified girl and marsupial. "What about this female flesh creature and the dog?"
"Who cares?" replied Dead End while hoisting up the engine. He handed it to Breakdown. "Take this and don't drop it!"
"Why don't you carry it?" Breakdown protested.
A fist punched him in the chassis. "Because Motor Master put me in charge!" shouted Dead End.
Laughter emitted from Drag Strip as he went back to playing with the organics. He picked up one of the assistants and got an idea. "Hey Wildrider, think fast!" He tossed her like a football.
The chaos was too much for Benni to take. She howled and broke loose of Dyani's grip and leapt out of the van with a swiftness the girl had never seen before. The thylacine reared up like a kangaroo, hopping several times, and breaking out into a fast, somewhat awkward gate. She sped off into the darkness.
"My Thylacine!" hollered Dr. Patel, seeming to forget his own distress. He struggled to break from bounds without success.
"Benni!" Dyani jumped out after the thylacine and chased after her without looking back.
Wildrider became enraged by Drag Strip's foolishness. He ignored the now dead flesh creature now lying at his feet. "You're going to shoot us in the foot if you don't cool it!"
Something awoke inside Beachcomber. He seized the moment and drove full speed into Wildrider, sending the stunticon crashing into Drag Stip. "Take cover!" he told Sparkplug, who jumped out and hid behind some debris. Beachcomber transformed into robot mode and pulled out his blaster. He managed to get several good shots into the two stunned stunticons before being tackled to the ground by Dead End.
"You think you're brave?" he sneered at Beachcomber. He glanced at Wildrider and Drag Strip lying in a heap. "They deserved what they got. I should thank you for shutting them up."
Beachcomber tried to struggle until heard the familiar sound of an airplane. Lasers rained down upon the stunticons. "Pick on someone your own size, you pussies!" the gruff voice of Powerglide snarled.
On the far side of the expo compound, Tracks and Sunstreaker amongst a flood of protesters. It was slow going because the chaos had created a panic amongst everyone-attendee and protester alike. The security had been overwhelmed by the stampede. Tracks tried to help people to safety, but most fled from him with terror. Seeing humans afraid of him weighed down his spirit, but he couldn't dwell on it. He has to push it out of his mind and find the Decepticons.
Sunstreaker was making his way to the Kagayaku Motors building as a jet-black semi truck rammed into the side. A black sports car joined it inside. Blaster in hand, Sunstreaker followed at a distance. By this time Tracks had joined him. He motioned for him to keep quiet and beckoned the other autobot to follow him. They made their way to the hole and peered inside. The smaller vehicle had disappeared, and in its place was Offroad, perhaps the most unpredictable of the Stunticons. He was forcing engineers and a teenage boy into the semi's trailer. Tracks and Sunstreaker nodded at each other. The corvette went in front and fired his black beam gun at Offroad.
"Autobots!" hissed an enraged Offroad firing blindly at anything in his path. Lasers ricocheted around hitting several vehicles and shooting off the tail of a giant fiberglass shiba inu-the Kagayaku Motors mascot.
"Put down your weapon!" Tracks ordered, pointing his own blaster at the stunticon.
Sunstreaker cornered the truck who shed its camouflage to reveal its true identity-Motormaster. "You're too late for that." he growled.
The lamborghini's optics narrowed. "I'd say I'm just in time to blow your brain module out!"
Tracks felt a chill run down his frame. He turned slowly as the sound of footsteps came behind. To his dismay, it wasn't the Autobots. It was Megatron. He was accompanied by Soundwave and Blitzwing. "You!" Tracks gasped.
"Surprise!" laughed Megatron.
Sunstreaker's optics narrowed. "Where the hell did you come from?"
The Decepticon leader approached him. "That's for me to know and you to never find out!"
"I've got the engineers in my trailer," said Motor Master.
Megatron took inventory of the humans. "These are the organics I need…except the boy. He's of no use to me. Perhaps I shall kill him."
"No., don't hurt my son…please," a man pleaded, bowing low as if the Decepticon leader were an emperor. His entire body was trembling with fear.
The boy was Kota. Megatron held the boy up by his shirt and dangled him in front of the man. "Your son, flesh creature? Do you think you're in any position to bargain for a life I don't give a shit about?" Megatron lifted the boy up to his face so the human's eyes met with his glowing red optics. His fingers tightened around Kota's body and started to squeeze him.
Tracks clenched his fists. How dare the Decepticons ruin his spa day. How dare they take advantage of and hurt innocent people. His pale blue optics burned as a rage filled every inch of his body. He let out a terrifying scream. He aimed his blaster and started shooting indiscriminately at all the Decepticons.
He's flipped his lid! Sunstreaker thought as he bum rushed Megatron. He recognized the boy-the one who had taken so good care of his paint job. That kid didn't deserve to die-not on his watch. He wrestled the larger Decepticon until the boy was able to wriggle free from the hand. Sunstreaker ducked lasers zipping past his head. He somersaulted off of Megatron and rolled on top of the boy to shield him. Tracks was engaged in a shootout with Blitzwing.
Soundwave came to the defense of his leader. "Ravage eject!" he commanded in his creepy, monotone voice. His chest opened up and ejected a cassette that transformed into a robotic jaguar. Ravage hissed and poised himself to pounce.
Sunstreaker looked down at Kota. The boy screamed and tried to break free from his grip. "I ain't going to hurt you, kid!' he said. He set the kid down and transformed into his alt-mode. He had to get the kid away from this madhouse. Kota was in disbelief witnessing the giant golden robot turn into the Lamborghini Countach he had detailed earlier that day. A door swung open. "Get in!" it ordered. The boy made no response. "Now!" the car shouted. "Unless you got a death wish!" The boy jolted back to reality of his situation and got inside the lamborgini as it burnt rubber past Megatron and bore into Ravage before exiting. Sunstreaker cursed as he felt the searing heat of a laser hit him directly in the rear and another hit him in the side. He kept going despite the intense pain. Ravage was on his tail. He could run at speeds that put even the famous cheetah to shame. Ravage was about to leap when two blinding lights overpowered his senses, causing him to crash. A red lamborghini broadsided the jaguar. "I got your back, bro!" cried Sideswipe.
Ravage limped back to Soundwave. One of his legs was mangled and his chassis smashed by the Lambros.
Tracks winced as Blitzwing's fire hit him in the leg. He dropped to a knee, but kept on firing until his blaster ran out of juice.
Megatron cursed. "We got what we came for. Let's flee before the Autobots get here!"
"What about him?" asked Blitzwing pointing at Tracks.
"Forget him," said Megatron, "Motor Master, go now!"
The Decepticons fled with the prisoners and gathered their injured just as the rest of the autobots arrived on the scene. Tracks rose to his feet and stumbled after them, and tried firing at them with his twin cannons. His aim was erratic and did more damage to the structure than his enemies. He screamed with rage and nearly transformed to chase after them when gentle arms came from behind and put him into a lock. Tracks struggled to break free.
"Tracks," a familiar baritone voice said softly, "Let them go. It's me…Optimus Prime. Tracks, listen to me…"
The corvette slumped in the autobot leader's hold. He started to sob uncontrollably. It wasn't supposed to be like this. He wasn't there to protect Raoul, his spa day was ruined, many innocent people were injured and perhaps killed, he couldn't detect the Decepticons, they kidnapped the engineers whose lives were hanging in the balance. He felt Optimus release his grip and then lift him up into his arms. Optimus Prime carried Tracks outside where some of the autobots were waiting. Others were split up into groups to assist with the injured or locating their friends. Ratchet transformed into his ambulance form. "I'll take it from here, Prime."
"I need you to put Tracks under sedation," said Prime gravely, with growing concern about the autobot's current mental state. He turned Tracks over to Wheeljack who gently restrained him as Ratchet used a mechanical arm to administer the sedative. The drug caused everything to go blurry as it started relaxing the injured corvette. Wheeljack laid him on a gurney.
"Take it easy. We're going to get you fixed up," he consoled as Tracks drifted off to involuntary sleep.
Sunstreaker was now back in robot mode, leaning against his brother for support while Kota sat on his shoulder. The boy's arms clung around his neck.
"Bro, who's this?" asked Sideswipe.
"This is the kid that fixed me up before those Decepticon bastards showed up and ruined the party."
Kota shook like a frightened rabbit. He was scared of all of the giant robots, except the one who saved his life. He heard him call the red robot bro. Like brother? The robots reminded him of the mecha he watched in anime and super sentai shows, but there didn't seem to be anyone piloting them. Even in vehicle mode, one had addressed him directly and controlled itself. His mind raced, replaying the events that transpired. Something made him curious. Sparkplug called the Countach Sunstreaker…Sparkplug? Was he connected with these robots? Was he in on the kidnapping of his father? No, that couldn't be right. Everything was a blur, but he remembered Sunstreaker and at least one other robot attacked those others. The giant silver one with the creepy red eyes haunted Kota's thoughts and caused him to scream.
Sunstreaker tolerated the noise even though it killed his audio sensors. The kid was obviously traumatized. He turned his head towards Kota and said, "You're safe now."
The red robot cracked his knuckles. "Stick with us. Bro and I are professional ass kickers! You got a name?"
"Kota," the boy answered.
"I'm Sideswipe and you already know my bro, Sunstreaker." Sideswipe elbowed his twin in the side, forgetting his injuries.
"Ow!" Sunstreaker wince.
Sideswipe rubbed his head. "My bad," he apologized.
"What is your name?" a deep voice suggested. It came from another robot approaching the Lambros. The one was the largest of the bunch. He was imposing at first glance, with his angular head with silver mouthplate, and his massive frame of blue, red and silver. His fearsome look was betrayed by glowing, cyan-colored optics that emitted kindness. He bent over to get a better look at Kota.
"My name is Optimus Prime," he introduced himself. "I am the leader of the Autobots. Do not be afraid. We will not hurt you."
It took Kota some time to unpack everything. He observed Sunstreaker and Sideswipe also had the same color eyes, unlike the red of those others. Although still fearful, he worked up the courage to ask, "I'm Kota Shimizu. Who made you and what about those other robots?"
Optimus found the question amusing, but this wasn't the time of place for full explanations. The name Shimizu. That name seemed familiar. "Kota, I promise you will have your answers, but for now I will just say we are living beings not of this world."
The Japanese youth blinked. Living beings? Aliens? He nodded slowly, although he had difficulty processing everything. He bowed his head and cried silently.
"I promise we'll do our best to keep you safe," Prime said gently. He turned to inspect Sunstreaker's smoking skidplate. "Sunstreaker, are you able to drive?"
The golden lamborgini nodded. "It hurts like hell, but I should be able to make it back to the Ark."
"Good. I'm putting you in charge of protecting Kota since he feels safe with you. Sideswipe, I want you to spot Sunstreaker."
Sunstreaker shrugged. He set Kota down and transformed into his alt-mode. "You're stuck with me, kid. Get in."
Kota started to obey, but then stopped. "Wait!" he said with a sudden alarm. "Dyani! My friend…she's in trouble. He said he'd kill her…we have to find her!"
Prime knelt down. "Who said he would kill her?"
"Doctor Patel. We work under him at the Thayer Research Institute. He's crazy. Please, you have to help her!"
"You have my word, Kota. I'll find her," Optimus Prime reassured. He radioed the autobots taking roll calls. All were accounted for except for Beachcomber. It was Poweglide who relayed the news. After rescuing Beachcomber from Dead End, Astrotrain and Starscream ambushed him. The last thing he remembered was being revived by Sparkplug. The Decepticons had made off with some humans and technology. At first he thought they had also kidnapped Beachcomber until he spotted tracks from a dune buggy leading out into the desert. His first instinct was to follow, but Sparkplug was worried about the kids.
Prime's concern grew exponentially as did his headache. He looked off into the horizon.
"Do you think he's pursuing the Decepticons?" pondered Powerglide
"No I don't," Optimus replied. "But I do suspect Beachcomber is in pursuit of something. I want to talk to Sparkplug. He might offer a clue to what happened."
Powerglide agreed.
Sparkplug had accompanied Bumblebee in search of the kids. They were found in a hidden shelter amongst many who were in attendance of the thylacine presentation. Mr. Thayer was present and exasperated with the news that both his chief researcher and his prized thylacine were missing. He was in a heated argument with a dark-haired woman with an Australian accent. She was Lilian Smith, the most recent ambassador from Australia to the US. She and her fellow ambassador from Papua New Guinea, Mr. Fabian Ngema were enraged by the dissolution of the Thylacine project. They blamed the United States for giving into corporate greed. When the autobots appeared onto the scene, Mr. Thayer turned to Optimus Prime and pointed accusingly at the Autobot leader.
"You!" he yellowed at the top of his lungs. "You robots are to blame for this!"
Prime didn't flinch. Even though what happened wasn't exactly their fault, he did blame himself for not being able to discover the Decepticon's plans until it was too late.
Spike ran up to Mr. Thayer in defense of his friend. "The Autobots had nothing to do with this!"
"It's allright, Spike," said Optimus, placing a hand on his shoulder. "He's right about one thing. If we had known sooner about the Decepticons, we might have been able to do something."
Ms. Smith walked up to Optimus. "None of us were able to detect them. Mr. Thayer is pointing fingers at the wrong robots-quite literally I might add."
Thayer was not amused by the burn. He gave the ambassador a dirty look. "The remaining thylacines have been transferred to an undisclosed location. My security is currently searching for one who went missing."
"What about the girl, Dyani Swiftwater?" Sparkplug demanded angrily. "I witnessed her running off trying to go after it."
"Excuse me," Mr. Thayer answered, rather discourteously. "I have some pressing business to attend to. Security will show you out. The sooner, the better."
"That won't be necessary," replied Optimus. "We'll show ourselves out. Autobots, transform and roll out!" He changed into his alt-mode and opened a door. "Sparkplug, I want you to ride with me."
The Autobots assembled together and left the expo ruins. Once some miles away, Optimus Prime halted. He turned to face the rest of his team. "Autobots, Sparkplug and I will go searching for both Beachcomber and the girl, Dyani-alone. Jazz, Prowl, I am putting you in charge of getting everyone back to the Ark. Ratchet, keep Tracks sedated and treat his and Sunstreaker's wounds. I will be back as soon as I can. Be careful, all of you."
Optimus went off road deep into the desert. Sparkplug told him his account of everything that transpired with the Decepticons and the disappearance of the girl and the thylacine, and Beachcomber driving off without a word after being freed by Powerglide.
"I can only guess that he must have been going after them," Sparkplug added.
"I believe you're right," Prime said in agreement, "Sparkplug, do you remember what direction he went?"
"Hmm…based on our current location, maybe Southeast."
"Then that's the way we're going. Hold on!" Prime said, changing course. He focused his computer in that direction in hopes of picking up Beachcomber. So far, he could read nothing other than a coyote and a few birds. There was also a storm coming in from the East. He continued on, hoping to find some trace of Beachcomber. He pressed on little success until he came across some animal tracks and the sign of something recently killed. One would assume it was the work of a coyote, but not far were the larger tracks of a vehicle.
"Beachcomber, it's Prime. Do you copy?" Optimus radioed. There was no response. The storm was getting closer, but the autobot leader pressed on. He followed the tracks for some more miles until he spotted a familiar blue figure, stooping over a medium-sized animal with a freshly killed jackrabbit in its mouth. It was the thylacine, but there was no sign of the girl. Beachcomber's optics were scanning the animal. The thylacine approached him, feeling drawn to his calm presence. She sat her prey down and made barking noises. The dune buggy listened intently to her sounds. He thought he was able to decipher a few words, "Danger," and "Help." Beachcomber transformed into his alt-mode and tried to communicate that he wanted her to jump in. The animal tilted her head. Her language wasn't as complex as a humans, and definitely not as complex as this giant metal creature's, but she thought he could speak her tongue a little. She uttered something unintelligible, retrieved her dinner, and slowly climbed up into a seat. She proceeded to lie down.
Prime stopped, keeping some distance so as not to frighten the animal. To his relief, the thylacine seemed unaffected by his presence. Optimus approached them. "I'm grateful you're okay," he said.
"I'm sorry for taking off like that, Prime," said Beachcomber apologetically. "I had to go after them. I found thylacine, but I haven't been able to find Dyani."
Thunder and lightning clashed in the distance. Optimus feared for the girl, lost and scared, being caught in a storm. He considered what to do about the thylacine. He knew they should return her to the Thayer Institute. "I am going to search for Dyani. For now, we'll keep the thylacine at our headquarters, but we'll have to make a decision about her."
"As you wish," Beachcomber complied, with some reluctance in his voice. He had this uncanny feeling that the thylacine had run away for reasons besides the Decepticons. He started his engine. "Be safe out there. That storm looks pretty bad."
"You as well, my friend," Optimus Prime told Beachcomber. Both went their separate ways. Prime drove farther into the desert, searching for any sign of a human. Sparkplug shifted in his seat. His back was sore from earlier. The autobot leader was sympathetic. "I'm sorry, Sparkplug. I can't imagine what you went through today."
Sparkplug shrugged. "It can't be helped," he said. "Besides, I'm the only one between the two of us who knows what Dyani looks like."
"Point taken," said Prime. His headlights spotted something caught in a cluster of sagebrush. It was a broken flip-flop sandal. He halted. Sparkplug stepped down out of his cab and examined the artifact. The man confirmed it belonged to Dyani and used a flashlight to investigate the immediate area. He uncovered footprints and a little blood. Rain started coming down.
"Damn it," cursed Sparkplug.
"Do not worry. My computer picked up human activity several miles from here. That's probably her," Prime reassured. Once Sparkplug was back inside, he drove on through the rugged terrain and sudden downpour towards the girl's location. Lightning illuminated the sky above as they approached a figure huddled in the darkness.
Dyani shivered with cold. Her hair was plastered to her head. She was barefoot and her clothes torn in places. She looked both startled and relieved to see a semi truck. Her tired eyes blinked as a figure descended from the cab. Rain and darkness obscured its features.
A familiar voice called out, "Dyani, are you okay? It's Sparkplug Witwicky!"
The girl backed away from him. "How in the hell did you find me out in the middle of nowhere and with a semi truck?" she screamed, thinking he was incahoots with Dr. Patel or those metallic monsters.
"Sweetie," Sparkplug said gently. "You've been through hell, but you have to trust me."
Optimus remained in alt-mode. He spoke, keeping his voice soft, "Sparkplug is a dear friend of mine."
Lightning flashed overhead, illuminating the truck as it spoke. It was too much for Dyani to process in her current state. She shrieked at the top of her lungs and tried to flee. A foot tripped on the wet, rocky terrain, causing her to fall face first into the earth. Then everything went dark.
Sparkplug ran to Dyani and lifted her into his arms. He frowned and said, "She's fainted."
"The trauma she's suffered today is not something someone her age should have to experience," remarked Prime. "The sooner we get back to the Ark, the better."
Once both humans were safely inside, Optimus sped on back towards the Ark. Rain and wind pelted him and his headache lingered, but he never wavered from taking charge of the situation.
Sparkplug cradled Dyani, supporting her head. His brow furrowed as he noticed fresh bruises peaking through some tears in the side of her blouse. He had no doubts that Dr. Patel was responsible for that. He barely saw the scientist around the expo, but he heard his share of stories about him. If things had turned out differently, he would have had half a mind to report him to the authorities. At least both Dyani and Kota were now safe. He made a mental note to himself that they would need to run into town for a supply run. The kids would need fresh changes of clothes and food. That would be easy enough, but what kind of provisions were needed for the thylacine? Kota and Dyani would know best since part of their duties were feeding and caring for it.
Dyani slowly regained consciousness. Her head felt hot with fever and her body shook with cold. Her eyes adjusted to seeing Sparkplug's face looking down at her with concern. She started crying and hugged him, thinking everything had been a nightmare.
"It's okay. You're safe now. Cry if you need to," said Sparkplug.
The girl became aware that they were inside the cab of the red semi and no one was powering it. She screamed and clung tightly to Mr. Witwicky.
"It's alright, Dyani," a voice emitted from a computer monitor inside the cab. "I am Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots."
"Nooooo! Not them!" she cried, thinking they were her back to those robots from earlier. She could see their glowing red eyes.
Optimus continued to speak gently, "Your fears are valid. Those who you encountered are called the Decepticons. Yes, I am a robot like them, but I am also not like them. We autobots value the lives of all sentient beings."
Dyani hugged Sparkplug tight. She heard the truck's explanation, but she struggled with understanding it.
"Prime won't hurt you, I promise," soothed Sparkplug.
An idea came to Prime. He sent out a signal over the radio and said, "Prime to Autobots, do you copy?"
"Hey Prime, what's happening?" the voice of Blaster came over.
"Blaster, I'm on my way back. Did everyone make it back safely?"
"Everyone's made it back in one piece."
"Excellent. I should be there within thirty minutes. Tell Kota, we have Dyani with us."
"Sure thing. Peace out!"
Kota! The truck mentioned Kota! Dyani was still untrusting, but hearing that her BFF was alive put her at ease-a little anyway. "Is he safe?"
Sparkplug nodded with a sincere smile. "He's okay. So is the thylacine?"
"Benni?" Dyani sat up, looking Mr. Witwicky in the eyes. "No joke?"
He shook his head. "No joke."
"We have all of you in our care," Optimus said.
"You should try to get some rest. We'll talk later."
The girl closed her eyes and tried to rest. It took some time, but sleep found her just before they arrived at the Arc. Several autobots were outside to greet them.