Chapter Seven
With a calm stride in his gait, Optimus entered into the room. He stood proudly before the large crowd of Autobots that had gathered to hear his verdict. His optics slowly swept over the room, landing his gaze on a particular group of bots in the back.
"Prowl, here." Optimus ordered, "By my side."
The bot rose to address his superior, and moved to stand beside him. His door wings stood attentively on end as he faced the crowd. Optimus took a moment to look at his second-in-command. Prowl eased his shoulders, and the twin launchers that rested upon them slumped with as he let out a relaxed sigh. The crest that sat in the center of his chest piece drew Optimus's attention: a vibrant star bearing the insignia of the Autobots. Prowl had fought many a battle alongside Optimus and bore the symbol of his faction proudly as a result. The lights that hung overhead reflected off the slick, clean surface of Prowl's helm visor, causing it to gleam.
"I have convened this meeting to inform you all that we have a new member here at the base. Yesterday, at approximately 1400 hours, we discovered a Cybertronian pod that has crashed nearby. Within the pod was a young, neutral femme. She was seriously injured as a result of her impact to Earth, and we are treating her here. This youngling has only just awoken a matter of hours ago. Her condition is stable as of now, but her recovery will take time. I have managed to establish a cortical psychic patch with her. In doing so, I have discovered that she knows little to nothing about our species—nor our war. Once this youngling has recovered enough, she intends to explore parts of the base." Opimus's stern gaze swept over the crowd before him, "Before that happens, however, I believe that she should become acquainted with the mechs here at the base. She will need a caretaker as she acclimates to her new life here. Will any of you volunteer to do as such for the femme?"
"I'll do it, Boss Bot." Jazz spoke up.
"Are you sure you wish to do so Jazz? You are quite busy with being my third in command and the femme will need to be closely monitored and cared for." Optimus hesitantly questioned.
"I'm pretty sure boss bot. This youngling needs someone who will care for her and constantly be there. I can offer both of those things." Jazz stated seriously. "Not to mention that I am hardly brought onto the field anymore since I sustained those injuries in Mission City."
"If you feel up to the task Jazz then from this point on you will be her guardian and caretaker. Once she awakens you will explain the roles of being her caretaker and guardian. After which such roles have been explained you will stand before Prowl, Ratchet and I am and recite the sacred oath. Following such you and the femme will create a caretaker and charge bond. Remember Jazz, that once you create this bond there is no going back. This femme will forever be your sparkling." Optimus spoke.
"I understand Optimus Prime, and I will protect and nurture this young one as if I bore her myself. You know as well as I that any youngling or sparkling should be cared for and treated as treasure." Jazz replied.
"I understand. Does any mech have questions regarding the young one?" Optimus questioned towards the crowd.
Ironhide slowly stepped forward from the crowd as to address Optimus properly before asking his question.
"Prime you said that you established a patch with the youngling. Can you tell us where the youngling came from or if she has been in contact with the Decepticons?" Ironhide gruffly questioned.
"When I established the patch with the youngling I saw such a young life filled with unspeakable horrors near the end before she was placed within the pod. She has had first hand experience with the Decepticons harming her and killing those around her. She was able to escape safely from them and make her way towards Earth before crash landing near us. She does not know how to fight or how to use a weapon. The femme will need all the help and training that she can get."
"So you said that she doesn't know much about us right Prime?" Sideswipe suddenly spoke up from the back of the crowd.
"That is correct Sideswipe." Optimus replied.
"What about her creators? Surely they must be out there somewhere?" Sideswipe spoke again.
"They are no longer present with us." Optimus gravely responded.
"When will we get the pleasure of officially meeting her?" Sideswipe questioned once more.
"You will officially meet her Sideswipe when Ratchet first gives the okay for Jazz to become her caretaker and when the femme feels up to meeting some of you. And Sideswipe and Sunstreaker you are not to do anything that would upset the youngling at all. Do I make myself clear?" Optimus questioned.
"Yeah, we understand Prime. We wouldn't harm an innocent injured youngling, have some more faith in us Prime." Sideswipe spoke.
"If any of you do not have anymore questions then this meeting is over. Please return to whatever task you where doing beforehand and have a good day. Till all are one." Optimus spoke.
"Till all are one." The room filled with Autobots responded.
As all of the Autobots made their way out of the room Jazz slowly made his way up to Optimus and Prowl. Optimus turned his helm to peer at Jazz in question.
"Is there anything that I could do for you Jazz?" Optimus questioned.
"Tell me Optimus. Are the Decepticons looking for her? Is there anything I should know of before I speak with the young one?" Jazz asked.
Optimus turned to glance at his second in command and let out a sigh through his nasal cavities. Optimus slowly turned away from Jazz to make his way to the door.
"Come with me to my office Jazz and Prowl. There is much to discuss with you." Optimus started, "I will admit that it was a good thing that you were the one to offer to become the youngling's caretaker."
"Why is that Prime?" Jazz interrogated.
"That will be explained when we reach my office." Optimus declared.
The three highest in command trekked their way down the long, metal hallway. As the corridor led on, the three each reached their own separate offices. The trio ambled over to the first of the three doors, minding the shiny plaque on the door that read "OPTIMUS PRIME" in all capitals. Just beneath the engraving was a key pad, which Optimus typed in his ten-digit code without hesitation: 1-2-1-5-3-6-5-9-3-3. After the last number was punched in, the door swung open and let out a soft, quick ding. The three quickly made their way into the room.
The office was a surprisingly humble-looking one, despite the esteem of that who owned it. It only held a small, makeshift desk which tucked copious amounts of data pads requiring special signatures within. Optimus headed to his desk and sat down on the large, silver desk chair behind it. The chair had been carefully measured and tailored to Optimus' body, and Optimus' body alone. The bot swiveled in his chair to face the two subordinates that stood before his desk. His optics grew more intense as he said sternly, "What will be stated within the confines of this office will not leave it—do I make myself clear?"
"You have my word, Prime." Jazz responded, matching Optimus' seriousness.
"I understand Optimus. Nothing stated here will be told to anyone." Prowl assured as he straightened his posture
"The femme is not of natural cause," Optimus started, "She was born a human and was present in the battle of Mission City. A Decepticon had been the cause of her death." Optimus rumbled.
"You mean to tell me Prime, that the femme within that medbay is human born? You do understand how unreal that sounds right?" Jazz quipped.
"I understand your doubt. If you must you are allowed to question the femme. However remember that I did a patch with her and she is not able to alter nor hide anything from me." Optimus stated.
"Alright. Let us say that the femme in the medbay was human. How exactly did she become one of us?" Jazz questioned.
"The Allspark intervened. For what reason I do not know." Optimus said.
"Do you think that the Allspark could have done what it did for self-preservation?" Prowled questioned.
"The Allspark is a very mysterious thing, that few understand. However you could be correct in that assumption. The femme stated to Ratchet that before she awoke she remembered someone telling her about how energy can not be destroyed only transformed." Optimus confessed.
"So we wait and see what happens next?" Jazz questioned.
"I am afraid that is all we can do right now in this situation." Optimus said.
"It would be best to place the youngling under some warrior guardians. On the off chance something were to arise." Prowl stated.
"Jazz, since you are to be her caretaker and guardian officially. What do you think about having her under some extra protection?" Optimus questioned.
"If this youngling is what you stated, then I would not mind her having extra protection for when I am not around." Jazz said.
"Do you have any suggestions?" Optimus asked.
"If the young one has been in contact with the Allspark like we believe, then it would be advised that she is under the protection of one of our best warriors." Prowl advised.
"I know you might not like this suggestion," Jazz started, "But I think it might be for the best if the twins were the ones to look after her."
"You are right Jazz. I do not like that suggestion." Prowl responded.
"Why is it that you feel that the twins would be the best candidates?" Optimus interrogated.
"Two reasons. First the twins are one of the best warriors we have ever had, and they take their jobs serious. And Second, it might make the twins behave more." Jazz responded.
"I can understand the first one; however, I worry about them corrupting the young one to act like them and heaven above I can not handle another one." Prowled grunted.
"If you feel like the twins might be a good idea Jazz, then I do not see any reason not to have them be her guardians." Optimus said.
"What!" Prowl started, "Prime you cannot be serious!"
"I am. If Jazz believes them to be what is for the best then I do not see why we can not let them do this." Optimus spoke.
"What if they start to pull the youngling into their dangerous ideas?" Prowled questioned.
"Then they will be dealt with accordingly." Optimus responded.
"Prowler, don't worry. I will make sure they understand how important this is before they get assigned to this. And, if something does happen to meh sparkling, I will deal with them. Have a little more faith in them. And if not in them, then in meh." Jazz promised.
"Fine; however, if I see anything that I might feel is dangerous I will intervene." Prowl responded.
"That is fine." Jazz said.
"Prowl I need to speak with you on some protocols that will need to be in placed to the youngling's protection." Optimus said.
"Understood." Prowl responded.
"If there is nothing else. I think I am going to go have a talk with meh new youngling. Till all are one, Prime. Prowl." Jazz stated while making his way towards the door without waiting for a response.
"Alright. Till all are one Jazz." Optimus responded.
"Till all are one." Prowled said.
What are Sunny and Sides going to think of this? What is Marie going to think of when she is told the news? How long before the Deceptions find out? Stay tuned! Happy readings! -Spectra
