Author's Note: The idea bug bit me big time, so I decided to try and get another chapter out. That explains why this chapter is up so fast. It might end up being a bit short, but at least it's up.

Disclaimer: I've explained it a dozen times in a dozen different fics. I think you kinow how it works.

Encounters of the Weird Kind

Chapter 10: Homecoming

"What?!" Jazz blurted.

Ultra Rodimus gripped the edges of the table. "The hull of my starfighter mode is made from the same alloy as my battle armor, only five times thicker. Perceptor hasn't found anything that can pierce my armor yet. My cockpit is large enough to carry four, if they don't mind being close. Perceptor's ID engine can be hooked up to my drive system. It only has to work long enough for two trips, there and back again."

"Is there any other alternative?" Blaster asked.

Perceptor shook his head. "We have no other spacecraft with a hull strong enough to survive the transition into interdimensional space. This is the only option. Ultra Rodimus is the only person who can get them home."

"Start building the engine," Ultra Rodimus ordered. The scientist nodded and turned to his work area.

"There has to be another way!" Kup protested, almost running to keep up with Ultra Rodimus's long stride. "This is too dangerous!"

"There is no other way, Kup. If there was I would gladly accept it. But there isn't. So it has to be this." The tone of Ultra Rodimus's voice announced that his decision was final.

It took Perceptor a week to build and test the engine. Once it was ready, Ultra Rodimus transformed to his starfighter mode and let them hook it up to his drives. First Aid was helping while Medic Alert took notes. The two Taelons, the human, and the Kimera halfbreed watched through the transparent titanium window.

"We're done," First Aid announced.

"It feels weird," Ultra Rodimus commented, transforming back to his robot mode. "A little heavier than I'm used to, but it won't be there for long." He looked at the four. "Ready to go?"

They nodded. He led the way to the landing field and transformed to his jet mode.

"My starfighter mode isn't built for in-atmosphere flight. I have to start with my jet form, then transform from there to starfighter." Ultra Rodimus opened his cockpit. "Sandoval, you and Zo'or take the back seat."

The black-haired human climbed onto Ultra Rodimus's right wing, and then into his cockpit. Zo'or followed. They ended up sitting shoulder-to-shoulder on the seat. Liam looked back at them and chuckled, then took the pilot's seat. Da'an perched on his lap. They waited while the cockpit closed around them and Ultra Rodimus's engines roared to life.

In a few seconds, that deep roar became a high scream, and Ultra Rodimus taxied out onto the runway. He lined himself up carefully.

"Hold on!"

His engines kicked in, and he shot down the runway. His passengers were slammed back into their seats by the Gs he was pulling. Then he was off the runway and heading skyward, and the pressure eased.

"What was that?!" Zo'or demanded once he could breathe again.

Sandoval explained G-forces to him while Liam leaned sideways and peered down at Cybertron's dark surface, watching the bright spot that was Iacon shrink rapidly behind them. Then they were clear of Cybertron's atmosphere, and hurtling past Cybertron's closest moon. Ultra Rodimus transformed to his starfighter mode, his space drives kicking in.

"Here we go!"

He engaged the ID engine.

The familiar tunnel of ID space opened before them, but the ride wasn't smooth. It was more like flying through a hurricane. Turbulence shook Ultra Rodimus like a leaf caught in a tornado, but somehow he managed to stay on course. His passengers clung to the consoles for dear life.

"I'll be very glad when this ride is over," Sandoval muttered under his breath. In the back of his mind, Raven agreed wholeheartedly.

After what seemed like forever, the ID tunnel spit them out again. Ultra Rodimus chose to fly a lazy curve that took them up beneath the mothership, heading for the shuttle bay.

"Identify yourself!" came the demand over Ultra Rodimus's comm.

"It's us," Liam answered. "Open the bay doors."

"Uhm... yes sir."

Ultra Rodimus sidled up to the deck, hovering inches away while his passengers climbed out and slid down his wing. Liam helped the other two out while Da'an watched, then patted Ultra Rodimus's nosecone.

"Thanks for the ride."

"You're welcome. Now I have to get going. I'm getting a nasty reading from the ID engine, so I'd better get back now. It was nice seeing you again."

"Likewise. I just hope that, if we ever meet again, it will be under better circumstances."

"I agree. See you!"

"Bye!"

The four stood at one of the windows, watching the Autobot leader fly away from the ship. The Prime did one barrel roll, his way of waving goodbye. Liam waved back. Then Ultra Rodimus's engines flashed, and he vanished into an ID portal.

"Think we'll ever see him again?" Sandoval asked.

"Maybe someday," Liam answered. "Maybe someday."

To be continued...

This was the last real chapter of this story. Next will be the epilogue and then the timeline I promised. Hope you all enjoyed this fic, and decide to take a look at some of the other fics I've written. And here are the reviewer responses:

Fenestrae: You weren't really pestering, just reminding. And I'm used to it. I have two sisters who snarl and whine if I forget something. I'd been wanting to do a scene like the shower part for a while, so I worked it into the storyline. Worked kinda well, didn't it?

Gromia: I have no idea why he's like that, but my guess is that his position as leader of the Synod has gone to his head. He really needs some attitude adjustment. I wish the show would move back to the weekend so I can watch it instead of being on Monday night.

See you next chapter!