It had been a week since the incident with Soundwave. The news that I'd proposed to Amy had washed through the town like wildfire, thank you very much, Lana.
Of course. Tell Lana anything that you can gossip about, you better be damn sure everyone in the next town over is gonna know about it.
But, turns out I wasn't the only one who proposed… of a sort, anyway.
Turns out, Prime and Arcee got together a few days ago. The big guy had his eye on her for quite a while.
Kind of glad to hear it, actually.
Anyway, today was rather quite the day.
At base, Jack, Miko, Raf, and Talida all had school projects due. Jack and Talida were building a bike with lackluster help from Arcee. Miko was trying to create a solar system with Bulkhead's help. And Raf and Bumblebee were trying to build a volcano.
Well, until Optimus had Bee go out with him into the field.
Then, it was Ratchet…
Yeah, cranky old bastard turned out to be a control freak.
Miko and Raf sat back and let him create their science project. Talida and Jack had decided to create their own project behind Ratchet's back. Which turned out to be a good idea.
To be fair, the crap that Ratchet created would've been perfect if they weren't so dangerous.
On the other hand… it was supposed to be a learning opportunity. Which it was.
Don't let Ratchet touch your science project.
Meanwhile, Prime and Bumblebee went out to see who was moving some Energon.
Apparently, Megatron had sent Starscream and Soundwave to awaken some ancient warrior. Skyquake, if what I heard was correct.
Malita was still recovering from that broken hand I gave her.
Good.
Prime ended up convincing the guy, a former Decepticon, to join the Autobots. Apparently he had a sense of honor that didn't allow him to support what his old master had become.
Things at base got… hectic, to say the least.
"Oh come on!" Clark cried out. "You're screen cheating, you gotta be!"
"Nuh uh!" Krystal denied… while looking at Clark's side of the screen.
"I don't know why you're arguing." Amy couldn't help but pipe in. "Neither of you have anything on me!"
It was true. The three were currently in the middle of playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, and Amy was in the lead, by about seven points.
Everyone had different games they were good at. Clark was good at fighting games. Krystal was the racer.
Amy, oddly enough, was the one who excelled at first person shooters.
"Oh, be quiet!" Clark said, though there was no actual venom to it. "You're in a league all on your own, you don't count."
"Ouch." Amy said with a giggle as she once again took out Krystal on the game.
"MOMMY!"
"It's part of the game, Krystal."
*BANG!*
"DAMMIT!"
While Clark and Krystal were losing to Amy, Optimus found himself contemplating the events of the last week.
In the past week, much had changed. The Decepticons weren't as active, which Optimus assumed was because they were repairng their satellite dish. In that time, the Autobots had gotten closer to their human charges.
And that includes the Kents, with Optimus.
Optimus had followed through with his promise. Clark had brought him to his mother's farm, and despite the mech's reservations, Clark refused to lie to his mother, telling her the truth about the Autobots.
And using his holloform, he had inspected the ship.
Megatron had been correct. Clark was a Kryptonian.
The patterns, designs, and the command key slot were the clues Optimus needed to confirm it.
Clark had shown Optimus the command key that had been sent with him. The Prime had examined it, and was surprised when he recognized the symbol on the key.
Clark was a member of the House of El.
Three Days Ago
"El?" Clark asked, looking over at Prime's holorform. A middle aged man, with a muscular chest and arms, waering a red flanel shirt, a pair of jeans, and some brown boots, as well as a red cowboy hat atop the brown patch of hair, and a rather thick mustache.
"Indeed." Optimus said with a nod as he examined the command key. "The House of El was renown across the universe. They were filled with brilliant scientists. Not one ever went without contributing to advancement in some way. The symbol of their house, this symbol," He showed the symbol on the command key. "Though it resembles the English language's letter S, on Krypton, it meant hope."
"Huh…" Clark said with a small sigh. "Probably think of me as a disappointment."
"Clark, Krypton was flawed, just like Cybertron, and just like Earth." Optimus said. "And I believe that your parents, or whoever your caretaker is, knew such." He assured as he rested his holoform's hand on Clark's shoulder. "Instead of allowing you to die with your planet, they sent you here."
"Optimus, I'm not some scientist." Clark said as he looked at the Prime. "I just barely made it halfway through high school cause of Amy. And then I dropped out." He said as he rubbed his head with a sigh. "I couldn't tell you all the elements on the periodic table. I couldn't tell you what the sun is made of. The only element combo I know is H2O, and that's fucking water. It's common knowledge."
"No one is perfect, Clark." Optimus assured. "Ratchet has a bad temper. Bumblebee can get too excited. Arcee's emotions sometimes get the best of her. Bulkhead is not the most gentle." He listed off. "As much as I love Talida, she disobeys me much of the time, and she has a bad habit of angering Ratchet because it amuses her."
"But those are just quirks, Optimus." Clark said with a shake of his head. "Sure, they can screw things up, but dammit, I've been nothing but a pain in people's asses since seventh grade. I'd start fights, cause trouble for mom and dad. I got Amy pregnant because I thought 'Hey, there's no chance it can happen, right?' That's what everyone thinks. It doesn't matter that I'm not human, the result was the same."
"Clark…" A new voice interjected into the conversation, and both looked to the steps of the storm shelter.
And there stood Martha Kent.
Martha was a rather old woman. She was in her late 40s, red hair that was slowly graying, her brown eyes a beacon of kindness. She was wearing a brown turtleneck sweater, a pair of jeans, worn with dust over the years, and some high heeled boots.
"You are not just a pain in the ass."
"Please, mom." Clark said with his eyebrows furrowed in sadness. "Do you really think Dad was proud of me after I dropped out of highschool? He told me that was the worst thing I could've done."
"Clark, me and your father both were disappointed at first when you dropped out." Martha admitted as she walked the rest of the way down the steps. "But do you remember the day you walked through the door at the end of the week, covered in mud and dust?"
"Course I do." Clark nodded. "Dad walked up to me, gave me a hug, and said he was happy I was stepping up. How did you…"
"His dad called, Clark." Martha revealed. "Three days before. Said you turned up at his door, begging for a job at the construction company."
"What?" Clark asked in disbelief. "I didn't know Dad ever knew… not before I told him when Krys was born."
Martha smiled as she grabbed her son's arm. "When Bryan called, Clark, your dad said that he wanted to see if you'd make it through the week." She told Clark. "Of course your powers made it easy, but he wanted to see if you had the patience. With your short fuse, and Bryan's rather… rude demeanor on the job, he thought you'd get fed up before the week was over."
Clark looked down, a look of shame on his face. "Like I said… I'm a pain in the ass."
"At times." Martha admitted. "You have have an explosive temper, and by god, when you set your mind to something your so damn stubborn about it." She smiled up at Clark. "But Jonathan was proud of you that day. When he found out you'd finished out the week and wanted to go back for more, he was so happy. We couldn't have been more proud of you that day."
"Listen to her, Clark." Optimus encouraged. "You've been nothing but helpful since we've met you. Talida thinks the world of you, and you are a good father, and a good sparkmate."
Clark looked between the two of them, before he smiled. "Well, I appreciate your words. Both of you."
Martha and Optimus both smiled.
Present
Clark was a good man who thought too little of himself because of his past mistakes. Optimus was positive that he alone had made more mistakes than anyone on this planet, let alone Clark.
"Optimus?" Ratchet spoke, walking up to his old friend. "Might I ask what you are thinking about?"
"Just recent developements, old friend." Optimus replied.
Ratchet smiled. "Such as your recent spark bond?"
"Arcee is a wonderful femme, Ratchet, and a good friend." He said, glancing towards his old friend. "I love her, and with our history, it was only a matter of time before we spark bonded."
"After Rose?" Ratchet asked, glancing towards Optimus. "The way you spoke about her last time we talked, I must say I'm surprised."
"Like I said, as much as I loved her, I never could've spark bonded with her." Optimus said, looking over at Ratchet. "But I can spark bond with Arcee, and I love her just as much as I did Rose."
"Well… I suppose that's a good thing." Ratchet said. "It proves that we don't only have one chance to find a loved one."
"Yes… I suppose so." Ratchet admitted.
Suddenly, an explosion seemed to echo out somewhere in the base. Ratchet and Optimus immdediately assumed the worst.
"What was that?!" Amy cried out in surprise as she paused the game, as she and Clark stood up.
"It looks like-"
"DECEPTICONS!" Ratchet interrupted Clark before he could finish. "WE'RE UNDER ATTACK!"
"What?!" Amy cried out in worry, before she felt Clark's hand on her shoulder. She turned to look at him, and was surprised by the massive grin.
"It's not attack." He snickered as Optimus and Ratchet bolted towards where the explosion came from.
When they arrived, though, instead of an enemy…
"It's no attack, Ratchet." Raf assured as he waved away the smoke, coughing a little. "It's my volcano."
Seeing now why Clark was laughing, Amy couldn't stop the giggles of her own at the site. Even Krystal was letting snickers of amusement escape at the site.
"Ratchet thinks Raf is a Decepticon." Krystal giggled as Ratchet and Optimus watched the scene in disbelief.
"Hold still, Bulkhead!" Miko exclaimed in annoyance. "Jupiter needs it's redspot!" She went to paint said spot onto the model… only to accidentally knock over an entire bucket. "Whoopsie…"
"What in the Allspark is going on around here?!" Ratchet demanded angrily.
"Our projects are due tomorrow." Jack explained.
Optimus took in what was going on at the moment.
Bulkhead, Bumblebee, and Arcee were helping their charges with their science projects. Jack and Talida were trying to build a motorcycle, Miko was trying to build a model of the solar system, and Raf was attempting to build a volcano.
"Maybe it needs one of these doo-hickies?" Arcee suggested, picking up an exhaust pipe and offering it to one of the two teens.
Talida laughed. "That's an exhaust pipe, Arcee. That goes on last."
"You're a motorcycle, Arcee." Jack said with a chuckle. "Shouldn't you know how to build a motorcycle engine?"
"You're a human, Jack." Arcee retorted. "Can you build me a small intestine?"
"Well, you can't work on your projects in here!" Ratchet objected, completely against the idea. "You're… you're making a mess!"
"Oh please, it was one paint spill." Clark said with a roll of his eyes as he walked down the steps. "And it's the science fair. They have to make a project, or they get a pretty bad grade."
"Yeah! If Bulkhead doesn't help me finish this model of our solar system-"
"And what does Bulkhead know of your solar system?" Ratchet cut Miko off. "Or Bumblebee of your volcano? Or-"
"Or Arcee of our motorcycle?" Jack finished with a raised eyebrow.
"Precisely! We're not Earthlings! And they're not scientists!" Ratchet rinished rather rudely.
"Hey, Optimus?" Amy spoke, catching the Autobot leader's attention. "You've been here for at least sixteen years, right?"
Optimus nodded. "Some of us have. Others, not as long. This team has been here for at least five years."
Clark looked at Ratchet with a raised eyebrow. "I'd say that they should have common knowledge, by now." He said with a smirk.
"The Autobots are their guardians, Ratchet." Optimus spoke, resting a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Would it hurt to learn more about this planet by helping our young friends with their schoolwork?"
"You would know, Optimus." Arcee spoke up, smiling at her lover. "You and Talida always did her science projects together." She laughed as she recalled a memory. "You and Talida actually blew the place up a few times."
"And we had to suffer through either a long boring lecture from him, or him going 'I NEEDED THAT!'" Talida added.
"Well, maybe our young friends and your daughter should learn more about Cybertron!" Ratchet retorted in regards to Optimus' statement.
"There's something I don't get though," Miko spoke up, glancing towards Jack and Talida. "How come you two get to work together?"
"We don't know either." Jack and Talida both said with a shrug.
"We were told to stay behind after class when the science fair was announced." Jack explained
"And the teacher said me and Jack would work together for reasons we can't know of." Talida finished.
Amy chuckled. "I bet June said something." She said, glancing at Clark.
"Wouldn't doubt it. That woman sees Tally as her own." Clark remarked. "And oh boy is she scary when either of the kids are in danger. Remember the incident with the Mack Truck?" Hs asked, glancing towards Jack and Talida.
"Mack Truck?" Optimus asked in confusion.
"Some fucker in a big rig damn near nailed Tally and Jack on the sidewalk." Clark revealed, to Optimus' surprise.
"What?!" He exclaimed, turning towards Talida. "How come you never said anything?!"
"Because I knew you'd react like this." Talida grumbled, shooting Clark a look. "Thanks, Clark."
"Anyway," Clark continued, careless of Talida's glare. "Guy just barely stops, and me and June are there just in time to see it. I drag the fucker out of the truck, about to put the fear of god in him, when June comes stomping around."
Jack laughed. He remembered very clearly what happened next. "Instead of Mom calming Clark down, Clark had to literally drag Mom off the guy."
"That woman has a mean fist." Amy laughed. "It can break just as well as it can heal."
"Reminds me of someone." Bulkhead couldn't help but remark, glancing towards Ratchet, who grumbled in annoyance.
"Starscream!" Megatron snarled, turning towards his second in command.
"Y-yes, Lord Megatron?" Starscream asked, somewhat fearfully.
Megatron was still more than angry over the failure of the Space Bridge, and he blamed Starscream completely. The seeker had been walking on edge, more than afraid to set off the Decepticon leader.
"Thanks to your fried processor, I've realized that I need a soldier who can actually follow orders." Megatron said, looking down at his second in command, optics burning into Starscream's being.
"Yes, my lord." Starscream nodded. "How may I serve you."
"Centuries ago, one of my greatest warriors, Skyquake, was stranded on this planet." Megatron began, towards the coordinates on the computer screen. "I've finally tracked down where his tomb lies."
"Brilliant, master. Would you like me to accompany you to his tomb?" Starscream asked, bowing before his master.
"Accompany Soundwave." Megatron growled. "He will monitor the trip. And let me know if you fail me once again."
While Raf attempted to rebuild his now destroyed volcano, he found himself conversing with Bumblebee over the topic of rank. Krystal had grown bored of the game with her parents, and had found herself hanging out with Raf and Bumblebee as well.
Admittedly, Raf was more engrossed in said conversation than in his science project at the moment.
"Really, Bumblebee? Then how do you make warrior class?" He asked, looking towards his guardian.
"You're awesome at fighting!" Krystal exclaimed in excitement. "You can all kinds of Decepticon butt!"
"Exactly!" Raf agreed with the child. "We've seen you in action!"
"I second your opinions, Raf and Krystal." Optimus said as he rested his hand on Bumblebee's shoulder. "But Cybertronian life cycles are much longer than those of humans, and though it may be hard to believe, our young scout still has much to experience."
"What about Tally?" Krystal asked with a tilt of her head, staring up at the Autobot leader. "How much does she have to experience?"
"Not as much, admittedly." Optimus said with a shake of his head. "Techno-organics age like humans until they are 21, upon which, they will enter a Cybertronian lifecycle for two centuries. Afterwards, they age like a normal human again." He explained sadly. "This unfortunately means I will outlive my daughter."
"By how much?" Raf asked, more than a little sad at the thought.
"Five eons, at least." Optimus admitted sadly. "But techno-organics can choose three humans to live out this life cycle with her. And I believe, Raf, that when the time comes, she will choose you, Jack, and Miko."
"Especially Jack." Krystal couldn't help but remark as she glanced over towards the two teens working with Arcee, both of whom were laughing at something Talida had just said. "They flirt a lot."
Raf and Optimus both laughed. "Talida has great feelings for Jack." Optimus nodded. "Though, she refuses to accept them."
"Why?" Raf asked in confusion. "He likes her too."
"Because she believes that will make Jack a bigger target than he already is." Optimus revealed. "She doesn't want that risk."
"But shouldn't that be his choice?" Raf asked, glancing towards the Autobot leader.
Optimus slowly nodded. "I suppose…"
Suddenly, alarms started blaring through the base.
"Exposed Energon!" Ratchet exclaimed, looking at the console. "And it's on the move!"
"And since we're not moving it, guess who must be!" Bulkhead said.
"Decepticons." Arcee spoke as she looked up at Optimus.
"Can I please tag along, Dad?" Talida asked, jumping to her feet.
"Not happening." Clark cut in sternly. "I don't care what Prime says on this one, you got schoolwork kiddo." He decided, Amy nodding next to him.
"Clark is correct, Talida." Optimus agreed, to Talida's chagrin. "Ratchet, I will need your assistance. The other's will stay with their charges."
"Want me to tag along, Optimus?" Clark asked, looking up at the Autobot leader.
Optimus shook his head. "You would do better to remain here. Perhaps you can help with their science projects." He advised. "I would rather not come to rely too much on your help, Clark."
"Actually, Optimus…" Ratchet spoke up. "If the science fair is a big part of their grade, then perhaps I'm better suited to stay behind and advise." He suggested.
"Well, we're screwed." Talida said with a sigh.
"Why are we screwed?" Miko asked her friend.
"Just trust me when I say we're screwed." Talida begged, glancing at Miko.
"Very well." Optimus said with a nod. "Bumblebee, let us see about this Energon in transit." He said, before giving a quick kiss to Arcee's head.
"EW, GET A ROOM!" Talida exclaimed jokingly as she covered her eyes.
Optimus rolled his optics at Talida's antics, before leaning down an kissing the top of her head with a smile. Talida uncovered her eyes as he did so with a cheeky smile, before watching her father and brother go.
Soundwave and Starscream worked together to pull out the large tomb, a Decepticon symbol sitting above a square hole. Within was supposed to be the one known as Skyquake.
"Excellent work, Soundwave." Starscream grumbled. "Now, the cube."
Without a word, Soundwave handed a cubed container to Starscream, who opened the top of the lid, pulling out an Energon cube.
He slid the cube into the square hole, and both Soundwave and Starscream stood back as the sounds of activating machines could be heard.
"The Energon infusion appears to be working." Starscream muttered as the container opened with a bright flash of light.
"Near their location, a Groundbridge portal swirled to life as Bumblebee and Optimus stepped through.
They could hear a sound in the distance, and it wasn't too pleasant.
"That doesn't sound good." Bumblebee remarked as he glanced towards his leader.
"No, Bumblebee, it does not." Optimus agreed. "Hold your position and await my command." He instructed before walking towards the source of the noise.
"Oh boy, this ain't gonna be good." Bulkhead remarked as he watched Ratchet root around for some tools, everyone watching him in slight worry.
"Why, what's wrong?" Krystal asked, glancing up towards the wrecker.
"Ratchet is interested in helping." Bulkhead remarked. "That means he's just gonna do it himself and snap at anyone who tries to take over."
"Sounds like Daddy, at times." Krystal remarked, glancing towards her father. "Sometimes, if he has to ask a lot, he'll do something himself."
Bulkhead chuckled. "I doubt he tears someone's spark out for trying to help out though, Gem."
"Gem?" Krystal asked, looking up at Bulkhead in confusion.
"It's a nickname." Bulkhead smiled. "You're named after a valuable Earth gem, and I tend to have nicknames for a lot of my friends."
Krystal beamed. "Cool!"
Bulkhead chuckled. "Say, how about you help me and Miko with her project?" He offered, glancing over to Ratchet. "Assuming Ratch lets us, anyway."
"Awaken, Skyquake." Starscream ordered as he and Soundwave backed up.
A pair of piercing red optics shined through the darkness of the tomb, glaring at Starscream as the behemoth of a Decepticon known as Skyquake left the his tomb.
"Why have I not been awakened by Megatron?" Skyquake growled, glaring down at Starscream.
"Lord Megatron ordered Soundwave and myself to awaken you from stasis." Starscream told the juggernaut. "He wishes for more loyal warriors."
"Up to more treachery, Starscream?" Skyquake asked, causing Starscream to growl.
"I'll have you know that I remain Lord Megatron's second in command, you brute." The seeker snarled.
"It's been a while, Skyquake."
The familiar, and extremely unwelcome, voice of Optimus Prime rang out through the canyon. Skyquake, Starscream, and Soundwave all turned to look towards the Prime, none to leased at his presence.
"Optimus Prime." Skyquake snarled, facing the Prime completely. "I haven't seen you since the battle of Technor. Megatron ordered me to annihilate you."
"That was a long time ago, Skyquake." Optimus retorted as he approached his old enemy.
"That may be Prime, but my orders still stand." Skyquake retorted.
"Is this war really still worth fighting?" Optimus asked seriously, looking at all three of them. "Even when so many comrades have been lost? So many worlds destroyed?" He turned his gaze specifically towards Soundwave and Starscream. "You still carry injuries from your fight with Clark, Soundwave."
He was right. Soundwave's visor had yet to be replaced due to how difficult it was to find one. Cybertronians with visor faceplate's were very rare.
"And you, Starscream." Optimus turned to the seeker. "If you really cared for Malita, you would convince her to leave this war. Stray from her father's path."
"Malita is her own woman, Prime." Starscream snarled. "And she is more than happy to follow in his footsteps. Especially if it means payback for what that blasted Kryptonian did to her."
"If Malita had been warned about Clark, then it was her own fault engaging him." Optimus retorted. "Especially considering his attachment to his loved ones." He turned to Skyquake once more. "Skyquake, this is a new era. On another world." He revealed. "Side with the Autobots and help me end this war, once and for all. Megatron only wishes for you to have been reawakened due to Starscream's failure. Had his plan gone through, he would've gladly left you."
"What plan?" Skyquake asked, turning towards Optimus. "You dare assume that Megatron would've left me-"
"Megatron wished to, and most likely still does wish, to desecrate the all of Cybertron's dead." Optimus revealed, interrupting Skyquake's rant. "Using Dark Energon, he would've reanimated all of Cybertron's dead, as terrorcons, who's only goal would be to do Megatron's bidding." Optimus took a chance, approaching Skyquake. "No one would've been left to rest in peace."
Skyquake couldn't believe it. He refused to believe it. "Impossible!" He denied. "Lord Megatron would never… he's honorable! He wants peace, freedom!"
"I know you and your brother both have a sense of honor, Skyquake." Optimus spoke. "But the Megatron you know is long gone. His own daughter is a product of rape." He revealed. "I know we've been enemies in the past, Skyquake… but I urge you. Help me stop what Megatron's become."
Skyquake's gaze turned towards Starscream and Soundwave. "Does he speak the truth?" He asked seriously, his voice laced with an unbelievable amount denial. "Tell me it isn't so. Tell me that Megatron hasn't fallen that far."
Obviously, Soundwave said nothing. But Starscream was more than happy to tarnish his master's name in anyone's eyes. "Unfortunately so, great Skyquake. Megatron had become quite the warlord. I believe he has fallen even further by infusing Dark Energon into his spark."
"Dark Energon?" Skyquake gasped. "Megatron has really infused himself with the blood of the chaos bringer?"
"Indeed." Starscream nodded.
Skyquake was silent for a moment, averting his gaze down.
"Then Megatron has truly lost himself." Skyquake muttered quietly, before glaring at Starscream. "And I will not support such dishonorable ways."
Starscream's smirk wiped away from his face, he looked stricken. "You can't! Lord Megatron will have my head!" He said, looking at Skyquake desperately. "I have to bring you back to the warship, to Megatron!"
"That is no problem of mine, Starscream." Skyquake retorted, uncaring of the seeker's plight. "Your treachery knows no bounds, and if it comes to an end, so be it."
"Skyquake." Optimus spoke once more. "I urge you, join the Autobots." He said, taking the chance to approach his old enemy. "I know of our history, but Megatron has fallen far, and all I want is to see this war ended, and his warmongering stopped." He placed his hand on Skyquake's shoulder. "Help me… please."
Skyquake turned to look at Optimus, his red optics showing much confusion. "How much has changed, since I've been in stasis, Prime?" He asked.
Optimus smiled. "Should you accept my proposal, I will gladly explain everything… back at our base."
Skyquake averted his gaze. He was completely unsure of what to do. On the one hand, his past with Prime… to him, due to his stasis, that felt like it was barely that long. But in the time he's been in stasis, Megatron has fallen so far.
He wanted this war over. He wanted it to end honorably. He wanted peace… freedom to choose for yourself… what you want to do with your life.
And by the sounds of it… that wasn't happening with Megatron.
Slowly, Skyquake turned his gaze towards Prime. "I… I accept your offer, Prime." He finally said.
Optimus couldn't help the smile on his face, whereas Starscream looked stricken.
"WHAT?!" The seeker shouted. "You dare betray Megatron for Optimus Prime and the Autobots?!"
"I fight for honor." Skyquake growled. "Peace and freedom. Not to oppress." He said, turning to the seeker. "I know Soundwave is recording this. So, when you get back to the warship, play this back."
And then Skyquake gave his message.
"Megatron. There was once a time when I looked at you as one of the most honorable mech's on Cybertron. When the Decepticons formed, you were wanting to fight for freedom, to eliminate the caste system that most of Cybertron was trapped in. But now, you are nothing more than a rapist, and a warlord. You have fallen far, old friend. And I can no longer support you."
And with those words, he turned to Optimus. "If we may, Prime…"
Optimus nodded. "Let's go, Skyquake."
And with those words, he turned away, walking away from Starscream and Soundwave, Skyquake following.
"No, Skyquake!" Starscream shouted. "You can't!"
Skyquake completely ignored him, following Optimus.
Neither Soundwave, nor Starscream attempted to stop them. Skyquake's reputation as a juggernaut and a very formiddable fighter is the only reason Megatron allowed him the chance to take on Optimus.
Amongst the Decepticons, Skyquake was second only to Megatron and Soundwave in terms of fighting prowess.
"Bumblebee, our trip wasn't for nothing." Optimus spoke as he came around the corner of the canyon, looking at his scout.
"It wasn't?" Bumblebee beeped curiously. "What did you find?"
"Not what, Bumblebee." Optimus said, before stepping out of the way, revealing the larger form of Skyquake. "Who."
Bumblebee's optics widened when he spotted the Decepticon behind Optimus, and almost on instinct, he drew his blasters, glaring at the juggernaut.
"Stand down, Bumblebee!" Optimus ordered, to Bumblebee's surprise, as he turned to Skyquake. "We've gained an invaluable ally, on this day."
Skyquake nodded towards Optimus, but he still looked unsure. Admittedly, this was a hard decision to make.
"Ratchet." Optimus spoke into the com link. "We need a bridge back, and we're bringing a new ally."
"Really?" Ratchet asked in surprise. "Who?"
"You shall see, old friend." He answered. "Get the humans to their safe zone, and tell the Arcee and Bulkhead to remain calm."
"As you wish."
"What the hell is going on?" Clark asked, looking at Ratchet in confusion as he ushered Talida, Jack, Miko, Raf, and Krystal to the human area, leaving their science projects.
"Optimus has informed us that he is bringing a new ally back with him." Ratchet explained. "He also said to get all of you here, and for the Autobots to remain calm."
"Who do you think he and Bee are bringing back?" Bulkhead asked as he turned towards Arcee, who shrugged.
"Could be anybody. Air Raid, Sideswipe, Sunstreaker-"
"Please, Primus, not those last two." Ratchet shuddered at the thought, interrupting Arcee. "Bumblebee and Talida are bad enough."
"Hey, we're not that bad!" Talida shouted in indignation. "You're the one who's always telling us to be quiet when we're having fun!"
"Could it be Ironhide?" Bulkhead guessed. "He was one tough bot, and even though he was the weapon specialist, he was one of the toughest bots out there."
"I just hope it's not Sentinel." Arcee said with a dark look on her face. "I don't ever wanna see that slaglick again."
"Sentinel was killed during the fight with Trypticon on Cybertron." Ratchet remarked. "You have nothing to worry about with him."
As the Groundbridge whirled to life, Bumblebee was the first to step through the Groundbridge, looking more than a little nervous.
"Bee?" Bulkhead questioned, looking at the scout in confusion. "What's wrong with you?"
"New guy." Bumblebee answered simply, not elaborating.
"New guy?" Talida questioned in confusion from the human area. "He can't be that scary, can he?"
Optimus took that moment to step through the portal.
"Optimus," Ratchet spoke up, greeting his old friend. "So, who is this ally you've brought with us?"
"Someone who demonstrated a capacity for change." Optimus spoke, before moving out of the way.
And the massive, bulky form of Skyquake came through the Groundbridge.
Everyone's faces changed to one of shock as Skyquake came in, looking around the base. "Quant." He remarked. "So… this is the home of the Autobots, these days?"
"Optimus, are you out of your mind?!" Ratchet exclaimed, snapping towards his old friend. In the Human area, Clark was unconciously coralling everyone behind him, eyeing the unrecognized Decepticon warily. "Bringing a Decepticon to base?!"
"Ratchet, Skyquake's sense of honor is what drew him towards Megatron in the beginning, and it's what pushed him away on this day." Optimus said, looking at his friend.
"Megatron has become a monster, a shell of what he used to be, in the time I've been in stasis." Skyquake spoke. "I want this war to end honorably. With freedom for everyone." He admitted as his red optics ran across the group. "If that means I must now side with the Autobots, so be it."
"What, you're awake for a couple minutes and you have a change of heart?" Bulkhead questioned disbelievingly.
"Megatron is no longer the mech he once was, if what I've been informed of is to be believed." Skyquake spoke, looking directly at the wrecker. "And I have no interest following monsters."
No one was quite sure what to make of that. Admittedly, most of the other Autobots were still on edge at Skyquake's presence, but still, his words had many of them dumbfounded.
"So, just like that?" Arcee asked, stepping forward. "You join the Autobots because Megatron's become a monster?"
"I'm well aware that you've always thought of him like that." Skyquake said. "However, regardless of your opinion when the war started, he is no doubt solidifed such a statement now."
All of the Autobots looked at each other for a moment, before Bulkhead stepped forward.
"Well, we could always use a flyer." He spoke. "And we could always us another bot these days."
"Indeed." Ratchet said with a nod. "And I suppose if Optimus trusts you, then I can as well."
"Well, I don't." Arcee spoke, glaring up at Skyquake. "You might be against Megatron, but you joined him in the beginning, and you'll have to work for my trust."
"I suppose that's fair." Skyquake nodded, before his eyes caught site of the group of humans on the platform. "And who are they?"
Clark looked at the former Decepticon for a moment, before he let out a sigh, letting his arms fall to his sides. "I'm Clark Kent." He introduced himself. "Nice to meet you." He said with a small smile.
Hesitently, the other humans moved closer to the rail, moving from behind Clark.
"I'm Amy." Amy introduced herself. "I'm Clark's fiancee."
"I'm Krystal!" Krystal followed her mother, introducing herself excitedly as she bounced next to the rails "You look cool!"
Miko stepped up next. "I'm Miko! What do you transform into, a cargo plane?"
"Uh…" Skyquake trailed off, admittedly not expecting such a question. "I don't quite have a vehicle form yet." He admitted. "I've not been awake from stasis for long.
"Well, we can probably get you one eventually." Jack said as he stepped forward. "I'm Jack Darby."
"And I'm Raf." Raf said as he stood next to Jack.
Finally, Talida was up. "And I'm Talida. I'm Optimus' daughter."
Skyquake's optics widened, before he turned look at Optimus in disbelief. "You have a daughter, Prime?"
Optimus nodded. "Indeed. And her mother was one of the best humans I'd ever met."
"Well…" Skyquake said, before examining the rest of the room's occupants. "I am Skyquake. I was one of Megatron's most powerful warriors, leader of the Combaticons… but now, I suppose I'm no longer even a Decepticon."
"Hey, everyone's gotta start somewhere." Clark spoke up with a smile.
Skyquake nodded at his words. "You… you said your name was Clark?" He asked curiously.
Clark nodded. "Yep."
"Then am I correct to assume you are the Kryptonian Starscream mentioned?" Skyquake asked, surprising everyone.
"Starscream?" Bumblebee asked in surprise.
"Starscream and Soundwave were the ones who awakened Skyquake." Optimus revealed. "Apparently, more infighting has led Megatron to seek more loyal soldiers."
"Hah!" Bulkhead laughed. "Instead, he gave the Autobots one a new member! That's rich!"
"Starscream mentioned me?" Clark asked with a raised eyebrow. Skyquake nodded, as did Optimus.
"He did." Optimus affirmed. "He said that Malita seeks payback for what you did to her." He explained, facing Clark completely. "What exactly did he mean?"
"During Fowler's rescue, mean and her had another fight." Clark admitted. "Got her shoulder with my heat vision, and I may have broke her wrist."
Everyone looked at Clark in surprise.
"I think you just became my favorite person." Talida said with a laugh, before looking at Skyquake. "I have a bunch of vehicle forms stored away if you want to go ahead and get one."
"That would be much appreciated." Skyquake nodded.
6 Hours Later
"So, what can we make for the science fair?" Jack asked Talida as they both entered his home.
After helping Skyquake acquire a vehicle form, which funnily enough, he chose as a SR-71 Blackbird, which was green and red in since that qas Skyquake's paint scheme. It had earned him the name of Greenbird by Bulkhead.
Skyquake had settled in relatively well, though Arcee's hostility definitely didn't help much. He'd hit it off rather well with Bulkhead, the two trading old stories of their days in the Wreckers and Combaticons, respectively.
Clark also seemed welcoming to the Bot, and Krystal followed him around like a puppy, asking him all kinds of questions.
And they thought Miko was bad with questions.
"We were gonna make a bike, but anything is better than this trainwreck." Talida said, glaring towards the abomination Jack was holding.
In Jack's hands was Ratchet's device he'd made them for the science fair.
It was a device.
That's all they could really distuingish.
"Is this supposed to be a Cybertronian motorcycle?" Jack asked. "It seems a bit small."
"I don't know what it is." Talida admitted. "But if we can't even explain it, then how the heck to we have any chance of getting a decent grade?" She asked, looking at Jack with a raised eyebrow.
"Should we keep trying to build a motorcycle?" Jack asked, looking at Talida. "Or should we just try something different?"
"I'm thinking… honestly, I'm not sure what we should build." She admitted as they walked through the house, going directly to Jack's bedroom.
"Neither am I." Jack admitted with a sigh as he hid the contraption Ratchet made in his closet, throwing an old brown hoodie with a white H stitched on it over the thing.
Talida let out a sigh as she plopped down on Jack's bed. "This is harder than I thought." She said.
Jack didn't say anything, instead just plopping down next her her, bringing his hands to rest under his head.
The two sat in silence for a moment, thinking hard about what they could try to do for the science fair, but no matter what they tried to think of, whether it was a potato clock, a photosynthesis model… anything, it was either an idea that was taken, or didn't really seem to work.
"You got anything?" Jack asked, glancing towards Talida.
"Nothing." Talida responded with a shake of her head. "You?"
"Nope." Jack said as well, sighing. The teen sat up, looking ahead as if he was unsure of what to do. "I'm gonna go get a snack. You want anything?"
Talida looked at Jack for a moment, before she sighed. "Sure. Maybe we can come up with something."
The two teens hopped up off the bed, Talida following Jack towards the kitchen. As Talida took a seat at the kitchen table, Jack moved to the pantry, examining what all they had to eat.
"Okay, we got Cheetoes, Funyuns, Doritos, with Philadelphia in the fridge if you want some, and there's also some Ramen Noodles and some Spaghetti-O's." Jack listed off as he looked through the pantry.
"Spaghetti-O's?" Talida laughed. "What are we, four?"
"Hey, I'll have you know that I still enjoy a bowl of these every once in a while." Jack said with a laugh as he sat a can back in the pantry.
Talida giggled. "If you say so." She said. "Grab those Doritos and get the cream cheese, because that's a combo that sounds good right now."
Jack chuckled as he complied, snagging the bag of party sized Doritos and a pack of Philadelphia cream cheese, ripping them both open, before setting them on the table. He gladly joined Talida in eating them, as he recalled a memory from when he was younger.
"Do you remember when Mr. Kent used to make us those cheese balls?" Jack asked, glancing towards Talida as they ate.
"You mean when he'd take a bunch of bacon strips and put them in a giant ball of cream cheese?" Talida asked with a raised eyebrow. "Kind of hard not too. Me, you, and Clark would fight over who got to eat most of it."
"Not that it mattered in the end." Jack said with a laugh. "Mr. Kent usually got half of the entire thing, while we had to split the other half." He recalled with a fond look. "And then Clark started babysitting us."
Talida smiled at the memory. "I remember when he'd take us riding on fourwheelers." She remembered, glancing towards Jack. "Remember that night ride, and the three of us were coming back through the field?"
Jack let out a laugh. He remembered the incident she was trying to bring up very well. It was an inside joke between the two and Clark, as well as Johnathan Kent for a long time. "Of course I do. Me and you were riding the little blue fourwheeler, Clark has that big yellow Honda of his, and he's looking at us, making funny faces. And I end up driving right over one of those tires we turned into a baseball goal."
Talida laughed. "Yeah… You know, in all those games we played, I wonder how many times he just let us win." She said, looking over at Jack. "Because let's be honest, we couldn't ever actually take him if he was trying."
Jack shrugged. "I don't know… but even before he started babysitting us, when it was either my mom or Clark's parents, he was always just making us laugh. And he was always trying to be like his dad…"
"I miss Mr. Kent…" Talida admitted sadly.
"So do I." Jack said in the same tone. "A part of me wonders what happened, the day he died." He admitted, looking up at Talida. "If something stopped Clark from saving his Dad, now that I know what he can do."
Talida nodded. "Me too." She admitted. "But… it was a tornado. Maybe he couldn't have at the time."
"Maybe…" Jack said, before looking up at Talida with a smile. "Remember when Mom took us to the state fair, and she did the dunk tank?"
Talida nearly spat out her food as she recalled the memory with a giggle, more than happy to move away from the depressing topics. "That was the funnest thing I'd ever seen!" She said. "You didn't even hit it with the ball, you just ran up and pushed the target."
"I thought Mom was gonna be so mad when she got out of the tank." Jack admitted with a smile. "But she just looked at me and told me that she'd get me back for it."
"Did she?" Talida asked. Jack shook his head.
"No. Either she forgot about it or she was just saying it." Jack said with a fond smile. "I think that was the happiest I'd seen mom, since…" Jack trailed off, but Talida knew what he was going to say.
"Since your dad?" Talida finished. Jack nodded.
"I… wish I knew why he left. He didn't even say anything, or do anything, and Mom doesn't really say why either." Jack admitted. "She just tells me that he got sick of Jasper, and that he couldn't… couldn't take the stress."
Talida nodded, looking at her friend with a sympathetic gaze. "You know… I think Clark is probably the most human father either of us have ever had." She remarked, smiling up at Jack. "Is that bad?"
Jack laughed. "Not really. Clark's always been there for us, he sees us as his own. Even when he started babysitting us as a teenager, he was always more of a father figure than a brother." He admitted.
Talida nodded. "You… I know you don't want to talk about it, but do you remember the day you stopped me from slitting my wrists?"
Jack froze for a moment, and then looked at Talida. "Of course I do, that was the most terrifying day of my life." He admitted. "I thought I was gonna lose the one I-" Suddenly, he stopped himself.
Talida raised an eyebrow. "The one you what?" Jack had cut himself off, and now she wanted to know what he was gonna say.
"Nope." Jack said with a shake of his head. "I didn't say anything."
"Hey, what happened to no secrets?" Talida asked with a scowl.
Jack deadpanned.
Talida winced. "Yeah, I heard myself." She admitted. "But now that you know all my secrets, are you seriously telling me that you won't tell me this one?"
Jack looked at Talida for a moment, before he sighed. "That day… I realized that I loved you." He admitted with a sigh, setting his food down as he put a hand on his head.
Talida's eyes widened. "What?" She asked in disbelief.
Jack nodded. "I thought that maybe it was just worry, but… no, it wasn't. I love you, Talida."
Talida looked at Jack in surprise. "I… why didn't you say something?"
"Because I'd rather have your friendship than lose you completely." He admitted, looking at Talida.
Talida looked at Jack for a moment, and then she smiled.
"You remember when we were twelve? And you got sick with the flu?" Talida asked Jack.
Jack nodded. "Yeah." He said with a nod. "A month of bedridden pain. Not able to do anything, having to have someone help me eat, drink, barely able to breath…" He listed off.
Talida averted her gaze for a moment. "I thought that you were going to die." She admitted. "I was scared that you were going to die." She admitted, hugging her arms together. "That was when I realized, that I love you."
Jack looked at Talida, eyes wide in disbelief, shellshocked by her confession. "Y-you do?" He asked in surprise.
Talida nodded. "Yeah… I think that was why I was so scared of you leaving the bots… and it's definitely the reason why I never told you." She looked up at Jack. "I didn't want you to get hurt."
Jack smiled. "Well, I'm not leaving the Autobots, Tally." He assured. "And now, you don't have to hide it."
Talida smiled at Jack, thankful for his words. She looked down for a moment, before she reached across the table and took his hand in hers.
Jack smiled at Talida, and gladly gripped her hand tighter.
The two stared at each other for a moment, having finally acknowledged their feelings.
And then Talida snickered. "Now we just have to avoid pulling a Clark and Amy."
Jack laughed. "Let's not jump the gun that quickly, Tally." He said with a laugh. "Besides, I know it wouldn't be mom or your dad we'd have to worry about, it'd be Clark and Amy."
Talida nodded. "Yeah, Clark and- wait a minute." Talida interrupted herself as a thought occured to her. "Clark's abilities… they come from the sun, don't they?" She asked, looking at Jack.
Jack nodded. "That's what Optimus said. He absorbs the solar radiation to power himself."
"You know what else absorbs solar radiation?" Talida asked with a grin. "Solar panels!"
"Are you suggesting we build a solar panel for the science fair?" Jack asked. "But the solar panels would need something to charge… how about a solar battery?" He suggested, smiling.
Talida nodded, smiling. "Perfect!"
The best friends turned couple moved to Jack's bedroom, ready to start working on their project.