"You're Autobots?" Alex's eyes widened. "Why didn't Rafe tell us that you were alive?"
"Because we didn't want any unnecessary information to leak to the Decepticons," replied Sergeant Keller. "Prime's identity was supposed to be kept secret too, but when Apocalypse showed up, he had no choice. And now that the Nemesis has been surfaced, we need all the help we can get."
"So that's why Rafe got up and left," Chris realized. "He knew."
"Yes," the second medic came back. "Now come with us. We'll take you to him." The trio exchanged glances and got in the back of the squad car.
"How many Autobots are left?" Ryan asked, as he buckled in.
"Quiet a few," replied Sergeant Pierce as he pulled out and headed out on the freeway. "About fifty of us."
"Fifty!?" the trio shouted.
"Don't get to excited," the other police officer warned. "The Decepticons have just as many, plus a lot of drones. And if they hook up with your Pred buddies, we'd better pray to the Matrix for a miracle 'cause this'll turn into the second Great War."
"So all the Autobots have been contacted?" Chris sounded excited. "We'll actually get to meet the heroes of the Great War? Cool!"
"Not everyone," Sergeant Pierce shook his head. "There are still four of us who decided to sit this one out."
"What?" Alex frowned. "Which four?"
"Later," Sergeant Keller waved it off. "Prime will tell you everything you need to know."
* * * * * * * * * *
The squad car and ambulance pulled up to a house and everyone got out. When Ryan, Chris, and Alex looked around, they saw that the area was not much different from their quiet suburbs of Portland. All the houses looked alike. When they walked up to the door, Dr. Riley knocked it and when it opened, they saw a middle aged man with brown hair. He was dressed in a buttoned down shirt and pants.
"You must be Maximals," he smiled, and turned to the medics and police officers. "Ratchet, First Aid, Kup, Prowl, it's good to see you again. Please come in." Everyone followed him to the living room. Ryan, Chris, and Alex gasped when they saw Rafe sitting in an armed chair.
"Well," he stood up, hands behind his back. "It would appear that I can't get away for a few days without any of you following me. I suppose Ratchet, First Aid, Kup, and Prowl filled you in?"
"Somewhat," Chris replied, "but we need to tell Eric and the others."
"We will," the Autobot leader promised. "Where we're headed, there will be no room for secrets, or anyone going AWOL, for that matter. Is Jamie back yet?"
"No," Ryan responded. "Ariana said he'd be back in two weeks. Look we know that the Nemesis was resurfaced, so with your permission, we'd like to modify and upgrade the Ark as a new base."
"Yes," Rafe agreed. "That was quick thinking on Primal's part. It will be done and the rest of my old team will be assembled. Prowl," he turned to Sergeant Pierce, "any word on our for deserters?"
"None," the sergeant shook his head. "I know we couldn't count on those four young pucks."
"We don't have time to deal with them now," Rafe replied. "When my son returns, he'll take care of it."
"Justin?" Alex frowned. "What does he have to do with it?"
"More then you think," Rafe responded. "Now I suggest we get back to the Ark. Spike,' he turned to the man, "I know you can't leave because Daniel is still in summer camp, but if any of the other Autobots contact you, could you tell them to meet me at the Ark?"
"Well do, Prime," Spike smiled.
"Thank you. As for the rest of you, roll out."
