Heyy all, apologies for the long update time, I've got a ton of assignments to do and rowing also takes up a lot of time. I haven't gone over this chapter as much as I'd like so if there're any mistakes or things that just plain don't make sense, let me know and I'll change them when I can.
I hope everyone's in character as that's something I know I'm going to have an issue with.
Note 16/8: Changed Six's age after finding a few problems with it
Thank you for all the favs, follows :)
Fanficbrowser: Thank you, I know what you mean and I'll go back and change some of what you mentioned when I can. As for why she went with Ratchet, it's only because of her armour and the fact they're not completely convinced she's human, otherwise the human medbay would get her.
Anonymous: Here you go :)
XRaiderV1: Thank you :) I'm glad you thought so
Blaiseingfire: It really does, let's see how your bet pays out :P
Telron: Thank you :)
Mr Review: Here you go and I assure you, Six will be kicking Decepticon ass :D
Buckingham: No problem :)
AK74FU2: Glad you enjoyed it :)
amberreed69: Thank you, hopefully this one won't disappoint :D
MrSpartan3398: Will do and thank you :)
Jak Dragon: Eventually she probably will, it won't be much though as they lack a lot of resources. Hope this answers your question :)
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Impossible
Catherine, Two Hours Later
Catherine was exhausted. She'd spent the past two hours tending to two patients, just because Ratchet didn't like lots of humans in his Med Bay. Hell, she didn't even know anything about the second one, as it wasn't even human, not even close. For one thing it had two hearts! Two! How was she supposed to deal with that?
The Doctor hits the Med Bay, Catherine inwardly chuckled
"At least it wasn't awake," she whispered to herself. If it had been awake she was sure that it would've been much more difficult to deal with its eight foot frame. One thing that did make dealing with the creature easier was that it had very few wounds to deal with, which meant that she didn't have to worry about blood. Although she hadn't dared use any pain killer on it, least it kill the creature. She hadn't dared ask Ratchet about it either as the Autobot seemed very agitated.
Catherine sighed and looked down at the dog tag that 'Six' had thrown at her. She didn't even want to begin to think about the extremely pale girl with no name, because that's what she was, a girl. Catherine had her own daughter that looked other than 'Six', and yet this girl seemed to full of hate towards anyone that wasn't human. What had made her like that?
Catherine sighed again before suddenly colliding with a hard metal surface.
"Owww…God damn it," she cursed as she looked up and almost recoiled in horror. "O-Optimus P-Prime? Oh my…I'm really sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going, 'cause I was think about the people we had today, and I needed to find Major Lennox to give him this." She held up the dog tag.
Optimus did a calming motion with his hands before crouching down to Catherine's level.
"Don't worry yourself. I was also lost in thought," he said lightly. "How are the new comers?"
"The alien one's fine, just out for the count. The girl that calls herself 'Six', 'Spartan' or 'Spartan Bee-Three-One-Two' was in worst shape, but thanks to Ratchet she's much better. Although, I think you should go see him. Something was really bothering him about her. Anyway, I should probably go, sorry for taking up your time," Catherine smiled, edging away.
Optimus gave a small smile, "thank you, Catherine."
Okay, time to get back on track. Wait how did he know my name? Catherine thought, confused. Looking down, she found that her name was on her uniform, figures. And with that the tall brunette hurried down the corridor away from the heavy footsteps of Optimus Prime.
She continued through corridors as she searched for the Major and all the while she tried not to think about the strange beings in Ratchet's Med Bay. It proved difficult as they were her patients and she would constantly worry about them.
Catherine rounded another corner and kept going through the base for another ten minutes until she entered the rec room. There were a few soldiers in the room, but most were too busy playing cards or other things to notice her entrance. She scanned the room, hoping to find the Major or at least someone who might know where he was.
There were so many people for her to look over, all of them had similar haircuts or hairstyles to the Major and made it difficult to make him out from the back. The room was also much too loud for her to ask if he was in here and she didn't want to interrupt their down time; as it wasn't very often they got any.
Then, at the side of the room, she spotted someone. It wasn't the Major, but it was someone who she thought would probably know where he was.
It was Graham and he looked like he was in the middle of a really good game of cards.
Catherine nibbled her lip, she really didn't want to interrupt him in the middle of a game. But, this was more important than a card game, so damn it she was going to so what she came to do. She sighed, wondering to herself why she was so nervous off the battlefield or when she wasn't doing what she was good at.
With her mind made up she strolled over to where the group of American and British soldiers were playing cards. They looked up as she came over, all smiling at her and not the least bit bothered that she was interrupting their game.
You're just too nervous for your own good.
A chorus of "Legs!" came from a few of them while others bombarded her with other greetings.
"It's Legs!"
"Jonsey!"
"Someone call a medic?"
There were laughs all around and she gave a small smile before she greeted everyone at once. They offered her a place at the table or to simply sit and watch, but she put them down with a smile.
"Sorry guys," she held up the dog tag. "Duty calls."
They all eyed it keenly and Jack –a light haired America guy- was the first to speak up, "that from the alien at the crash?"
She shook her head, "no, it's from the girl that fainted out on the air strip. I think she lives in the armor, 'cause she's so pale. She's completely white, like an albino, only without the red eyes. She's stubborn too. Anyway, I'm not here to show you all her dog tag. I was wondering if you'd seen the Major, Graham."
The man in question looked up as the other's started chattering about the dog tag or something else entirely.
"I think Lennox was out on the air strip talking to Optimus and the floating orb, called Guardian?" Graham said, a small smile on his face.
"That orb sent Ratchet crazy when it burst into his lab, although that wasn't the only thing," Catherine muttered. Maybe she'd catch the Major if she was quick, then again she did see Optimus a while ago…
Smiling she started to back away, "thanks,
Doing a one-eighty turn she dashed out the room and in the direction of the airstrip. Throughout the trip she couldn't help but threat about her two patients.
The strange alien with the split jaws scared her in a way that she'd never felt. It chilled her to a bone and made her feel nauseous at the pit of her stomach. She wasn't sure why though. It wasn't as if the Autobot's made her feel like that, although, the Decepticon's did. She'd never forget the first time she'd seen those hate filled red eyes. Her body shivered involuntarily at the memory. It didn't explain why there was something about this alien that set her on edge, perhaps it had been something Six had said? The girl seemed very anti-alien and she'd mentioned something about a war. But, despite what she'd heard Catherine had worked through it in order to do her job.
Then there was the girl. She'd been in such a bad shape that Catherine was fearful that she wouldn't survive. Of course it was mainly thanks to Ratchet that she survived as his information and superior techniques made the process much easier. However, due to the severity of the burns the girl would have to remain rested for at least a couple of days and even then the site of the burns would never be the same. Then there was the crack in her tibia, which had been swollen. They'd done as much as they could to secure it, but Catherine needed someone to put a cast on it. Before leaving she'd also managed to put the girl into a set of NEST clothes. They'd been a bit big in areas, but they'd been a better fit than the other's she'd had on hand.
Catherine almost sighed in frustration, but that was when she spotted the Major making his way into the hangar she'd just entered. Beside him was the familiar large black robot that she'd come to know was Ironhide. Truthfully the mech terrified her to an extent, she wasn't sure why. Maybe it was his trigger happy personality?
"Major Lennox?" Catherine called across the hanger. The yell caught the attention of the Major and his head snapped up and in her direction. The giant mech beside him merely tilted his head a bit to see who had called.
She ran over to them and as she came to a stop she quickly saluted him before speaking, "the patients are stable and recovering. This is the girl's dog tag."
She held up the tag and extended it out to him. The Major eyed it as he carefully took it out her hand and then proceeded to study it intently.
"Spartan Bee-three-one-two?" After a while he asked, "Doesn't she have a name?"
Catherine shook her head, "she wouldn't tell me it. I was hoping that you'd be able to use it to find out where she comes from."
The Major flipped over the dog tag and his eyes narrowed in confusion. He looked up at Catherine "Did she mention this 'UNSC'?"
"No, all I know is that there's something about her that really riled Ratchet," Catherine paused in thought. "She should be waking up soon, you could ask her, sir."
"Yeah," he looked up at Ironhide who appeared to read his mind.
"I'll Comm. Ratchet and tell him we're coming down," the large mech rumbled
~/~
Six, Med Bay
Six found herself waking up and was glad to find that she wasn't in pain. Blinking away her slightly blurred vision she noticed that she was clothed. Looking down she saw that she had on a simple navy top and trousers which hung loosely on her frame.
Six scanned the room as she quietly lifted herself up. The robot from before was stood in front of a large, metal desk and her armor was in a small pile next to him; her eyes narrowed at that. But, she noticed something else, her helmet wasn't in the pile. Feelings of horror and failure spiked through her and she only hoped that they had not discovered Dot.
"Demon," growled a voice that didn't sound that far away from her. Her head snapped around to face the source and a sneer instantly formed on her face.
Why did they save it? Do they not know the danger of even one hinge-head? It could call an entire fleet here! Six raged within her mind as she slowly got up. Her eyes focused on the dark skinned Elite who was positioned behind her on a separate table. She brought her legs up and coiled herself to jump forward and eliminate the threat she'd been taught to.
The Elite had little time to react as Six leapt off the table and wrapped her hands around its neck. She ignored any protests from her body as she moved against its wishes. The Elite struggled beneath her and attempted to push her off. However, she simply pinned its legs with her own and applied as much pressure as she could. While its attempts to push her off became slightly weaker it didn't stop her momentarily losing her grip and allowing it to call out.
"I told you not to-" the annoyed voice of the medical robot called out before stopping short. Six could hear its heavy foot falls as it ran over to them. Just as he reached them the large door to the room opened and Six cursed. It was the red one.
Pushing of hard from the Elite's body Six just about managed to avoid the grabbing hand of the robot. As her hands touched the cool metal Six continued into a roll and from her low crouch she swiftly glanced up at the beings occupying the room. Her mouth twitched as her freshly stitched wounds screamed at the movement.
The green one was the first to talk, "Why must you insist on this? Your body needs to recover!"
Narrowing her eyes Six was about to give him an answer when the Elite spoke over her.
"The Demon cannot help herself," its English was still unclear, but she understood it well enough to know that it was taunting her.
She remained silent as she usually did and waited for one of the robots to speak. She glanced between the two robots, wagering that the red one would speak and that he would attempt to diffuse the situation. He seemed like the type.
"While freedom is your right, I cannot condone senseless violence," the red one rumbled softly while Six suppressed a smirk at his predictability. He was simple enough for her to figure out. He was evidently the commander of the robots and because of his kindness it only made people trust him more. When she looked closer she could see something in its eyes, something that looked familiar…
Mentally shaking herself she flashed the red robot a sneer before replying to the ridiculous statement, "Talk to the hinge-head and his friends about senseless violence. I agreed to comply with you, but only if you dispatched of the hinge-head."
The Elite in question said nothing as he sat there seemingly wondering where the conversation was going. At the same time both robots shared a look before the red one tried to speak to her again.
"We took this question to the intelligence in your armor, but it refused to give anyone an answer. Perhaps you could shed some light on the situation?"
Six considered what he said for the moment. She wasn't completely sure what to say, because before she'd passed out Dot had mentioned that the date was two thousand and eight. If that was true, then she had likely travelled back in time as it was theorised that slipspace had the ability to do that if something went wrong. Her mind ventured back to the device she'd found on the ship –the one she'd then given to Guardian's Approach- and came to the conclusion that she'd travelled to the past.
Her fears about the discovering Dot had also come true, she was only glad that the AI refused to tell them anything. But, how long would that last? Surely these robotic beings could attempt to force their way through Dot's defences and gain access to her information. Six mentally berated herself, she should've decommissioned the AI when she'd had the chance, but instead she decided to bring it on a little adventure. Since when was she so sentimental?
Deciding they had waited long enough Six gave them a short, but informative answer, "War."
"We were unaware that humanity was at war with another race," the red robot said, its eyes hardening slightly as it thought about her words. "When did this start?"
Six could tell he was trying to figure out who was the victim and who was the assailant in what she'd mentioned. But, instead of directly asking he was trying to figure out how this war could possibly happen to a species that had yet to achieve space flight.
"The year two thousand, five hundred and twenty five," Six said simply, watching for their reactions. Both robots were good at hiding their reactions –the red one more than the green- but she still managed to see the confusion that befell their faces.
"You're from the future?" The red one asked with a tone of skepticism.
The green robot made a spluttering noise of dismissal before addressing the red one, "Optimus, you can't seriously believe her? She's evidently deluded because of her injuries, which I may add, she is still recovering from."
"The Demon speaks the truth, constructs," the Elite said begrudgingly. Both robots considered him for a moment before the one she now knew was named Optimus turned back to her.
"While it may not be common, perhaps she may not really be from the future as I originally thought," Optimus said to the green robot before turning to her. "Were you born on Earth?"
Despite knowing what he was getting at Six answered his question, "No. I was born on Charybdis Nine, which is a colony of Earth."
"Clearly deluded," the green robot snapped.
"I'd originally presumed that your part of humanity originated from another section of space, similar things have happened to our race," Optimus murmured. "What disturbs me is that you do not recognise us, but you are from the future."
"We're still going through a messy first contact," Six snapped, indicating to the Elite.
"Look," she growled. "I've never seen you're kind before, but you need to get rid of him," she nodded to the Elite. "His kind are dangerous, he could call a whole fleet here if you're not careful and if you don't kill him, I will."
Six leaned back a little, letting her warning and threat sink in. It still didn't sit well with her that these other aliens were on Earth. She didn't trust them, no race would help an outsider out of the goodness of their 'heart'. They had to be after something. It didn't make sense if they weren't.
Before Optimus could say anything the large door slid open and a black robot stepped into the room carrying a very windswept man in its hand. Six tensed as she recognised the robot that had pinned her to the floor before she'd passed out, the one they called 'Ironhide'. The man was the one who been trying to convince her to trust them, the 'Major'.
"I thought I told you to wait until later," the green robot snapped at the pair, both of whom merely shrugged at him.
"If we let you have your way we'd never see her," Ironhide rumbled as he set the Major onto the table Six has previously been lying on.
"Besides, she looks fine," the Major added, a small smile making its way onto his face as the green robot rolled its eyes.
"She is nowhere near fine!" The green robot growled. "Surely the human medic mentioned this to you?"
The Major and Ironhide looked slightly puzzled while Optimus nodded his head in understanding.
"That is one of the reasons why I'm here, old friend. I encountered Catherine in the corridor and she mentioned that something about 'Six' was bothering you," Optimus said, casting a small glance at the green robot.
"It's unnatural and unnecessarily dangerous!" The green robot growled.
"You're overreacting," Six snapped before the green robot could say anymore. "We've all had to make sacrifices."
She thought back to Noble team. They'd all sacrificed so much for Reach, but in the end it had still fallen to the might of the covenant. She hoped that whatever she'd given to Captain Keys was worth it all.
She thought about them all: Jorge, Kat, Carter, Emile. She was so sure she could've done something to stop them from dying.
Why was she the one to survive? Why did Jorge detonate the slipspace bomb instead of allowing her to do it? He was a Spartan-Two and would've been much more proficient on the battlefield than her. Jorge…she mentally sighed before she could continue that trail of thought, deciding instead to move onto the next dead member of Noble team.
Why had Kat been the one to be shot? How had she not noticed that there was a Phantom overhead, or that Kat's shields were down?
Why had she been chosen to take the package? If she hadn't Carter wouldn't have had to sacrifice himself for her and Emile.
Why hadn't she been able to warn Emile about the Phantom? He could've easily shot it down and then they both would've been able to live to fight another day.
'Why? Why? Why?' Look at yourself! Since when did you become so soft! You're a soldier! Six mentally berated herself.
"What is it Ratchet?" The Major asked, glancing between the green robot -now known as Ratchet- and her.
"This 'Spartan' has had augmentations done to her body, all can be damaging if they're not accepted. I'll discuss them in detail with you later," Ratchet rumbled. The others nodded in agreement before silence lapsed into the room.
"When Ratchet clears you to leave the med bay-" The Major began, but Six interrupted him.
"I don't need his permission to leave, I'm fine now. I need to work on getting back."
Ratchet snorted, "You will do no such thing, your body is still suffering from extreme exhaustion and its wounds."
Six gave the robot a weary glance; who was he to tell her what to do? It wasn't as if she was going to start wrestling aliens to the floor. Then there was the fact that she wasn't going to stay in the same room as the hinge-head for longer than necessary. If they weren't going to kill it then she'd just stay away from it. Simple.
"I am going up to the ship -send someone to keep an eye on me if you want- and I'll need my armor. But, I will not stay here with the hinge-head," she stated, her tone suggesting she wouldn't compromise. "I agreed to come with you. I needed your help, but now that I'm fixed up my priority is returning home."
The Major glanced from Ratchet and then to Optimus before his eyes made their way to her. He sighed before speaking, "I can't agree right now, letting you run around could put everyone at this base in danger. We don't know that much about you and, well, for all we know you could be somehow working for the enemy."
Six's ears perked up, they were at war with someone that wasn't human? She looked over the robots and spotted a face shaped emblem on them. Different factions? Had the humans of this time somehow got caught up in the war of another species?
"I assure you, I'd never work with aliens," Six sneered.
"Your story's just too outlandish for us to believe right off the bat," he explained. "When we've fully questioned you and your companions, then we'll know."
"You may as well start now," Six suggested. If they wouldn't let her do anything without some information on her, she would have to divulge some. "You already know where I come from and when, so ask away."
"Alright," the Major agreed as he thought of a question. "What's your name?"
Six quirked a brow at him, she knew what he wanted, but her name was just a number now. "Spartan-Be-Three-One-Two or Six."
He frowned, "Your real name?"
When she didn't answer he sighed and mentally vowed to find out later. "How old are you? If you don't mind me asking."
"I'm twenty-one."
Both his eyes widened and he asked in surprised, "you're only twenty-one? I thought you were older."
Six shook her head, "Most Spartan-Threes are around my age, I'm one of the youngest though."
"You mentioned that before and it's on your dog tag, what exactly is a Spartan?"
"A Spartan is basically a super-soldier created to fight for humanity. As the robot has told you I've had augmentations done to me, all Spartans have them." Six explained before quickly adding, "Most of the information on us is heavily classified, so I can't tell you much."
"There're more of you?!" Ratchet boomed, clearly unhappy about the prospect.
Six nodded.
"Are there many of you then? Spartan-Threes I mean," the Major asked as if interested.
Six tensed her jaw, "There were a lot of us, but most of us were wiped out after two missions and the attack on Reach. I'm probably one of the last."
"Ah, sorry," the Major said embarrassed, his steely eyes connected with hers and she saw understanding. "If it's any consolation I know how it feels, most of us here do."
She waved him off, "It's fine. As soldiers it's our duty to protect humanity, whatever the cost."
Some of them looked slightly taken aback by her words, but they said nothing. The Major looked like he wanted to say something and he almost did. However, no sound left him and he shook his head before moving on to another question.
"Have you ever met anyone like the Autobots?"
Six eyed the robots before her, she was sure she'd remember meeting something that large and alien. The Covenant certainly hadn't employed the use of giant robots, someone in the UNSC would've noticed and they all would've been warned.
"No."
"Not even a talking car or something?" He checked.
She sighed, "the closest we've got to them are AI and even they don't have their own physical bodies."
"So no robots," he agreed. "You wouldn't happen to have anything to prove your story?"
"I should have something in my armor; I just need a projector or something like that."
"We won't do it right now, I need to get on the horn to the General ; he'll want to be present for it." he explained, "we'll probably be round after you've had a cast put on-"
Six chuckled, "that won't be necessary."
"I'll be the judge of that," Ratchet growled. "If you have the cast I'll be willing to let you out of here in a few hours."
He's good, Six thought to herself. He knows I don't want to be around the hinge-head and this way he gets me put in a damn cast.
"Fine, the sooner I get out of here the better."
Ratchet gave a smug smile before walking over to her and extending his hand. She glanced at the hand know that he expected her to walk onto, if I have to. Without a word she climbed onto the hand and stood steady as he moved around and placed her on the table she'd previously been on.
When she hopped off his hand he returned to his original position next to Optimus. The big robot had said little during the Major's questioning and Six was curious what his opinion on the whole situation was. Well, she wasn't that curious. He was an alien after all. But, she couldn't help but be reminded about the AI they had back home. These robots seemed so similar, only they had bodies and weren't created by humans.
Frowning, she was brought out of her thoughts when the Major addressed the Elite.
"You up to answering some questions?" he asked with a small smile. Clearly the Major was interested in meeting another species, despite her warnings about how dangerous the Elite was.
"Of course human," the Elite rumbled. "Perhaps you will find I'm not as bloodthirsty as the Demon makes me out to be."
"Right," the Major shifted uncomfortably. "What's your name and…species…?"
The Elite did its own equivalent of a smile, "I, human, am Roh 'Rithinee, a noble Sangheili warrior from the planet Sanghelious and a Field Marshal of the Covenant."
"What is this Covenant?"
"The Covenant is a hegemony made up of multiple species united in worship towards the Forerunners," Roh summarised.
Conveniently leaves out the reason why they're wiping out humanity is because of their 'religion', Six scoffed inwardly.
"What has this got to do with a war on humanity," the Major asked, gesturing to Six.
Roh gave Six a side-ways glance –to which he received a smug smile- and began to tenderly explain, "after we encountered the humans twenty-seven years ago…they were declared by the Hierarchs a-as an affront to…the Gods and were to be…eliminated…"
A heavy silence hung in the room. Roh hung his head in shame while the Major had a look of shock and disbelief on his face. Six found the robots much harder to read, but she could tell that they weren't happy; especially so when the one named Ironhide spoke up.
"You decided to wipe out an entire species because of your religion," he growled.
~/~
Roh
As he stumbled over his words Roh could see the Demon giving him a smug look out of the corner of his eye. She knew he was in trouble, but what could he do? He'd been a tool of the Hierarchs –all of the Covenant were- and had never had reason to question them. How was he going to make them understand how important the Forerunners where to the Covenant? It wouldn't lessen the crime that they had committed because it was just wrong; he knew that now.
When he finished the disjointed explanation there was silence. The human looked shocked among other things while the constructs just seemed plain angry; especially the red one. The red one –Optimus was apparently his name- was the angriest, not because of any obvious change of his expression. It was in fact because of the small narrowing of the eyes and the thinning of the mouth that projected the red ones anger at such intensity that Roh could feel the anger rolling off of him.
The other two were more obvious with their anger. The black one had a similar expression to the red one, only it was more prominent and terrifying by the battle scarred face and intense blue eyes. At his sides his large hands were curled into large fists that Roh was sure had seen much use. Then there was the medic; who was already scary in his own way because of the permanent frown on his face. Add an oversized tool -which Roh had seen on human planets- to his large hands and you had one scary medic.
It doesn't help that the construct is supposed to be my medic. It would've been better if they'd left me to die, at least then I would still have some honor.
"You decided to wipe out an entire species because of your religion," snapped Roh out of his inner dilemma and he found the black construct preparing to step forward when the red one stopped him. He glanced up to the red one and Roh watched with interest as he spoke, "Optimus-"
Optimus moved his hand onto the black constructs shoulder before speaking in a voice of calm rage, "For what reason would you to wage such a war? The humans may be a violent race, but they are young and as we've learned it is possible to coexist with them."
Roh swallowed. He then took a deep breath before looking into the deep blue eyes of Optimus, "I'm unsure why the Hierarchs decided to wage a war against humanity. However, I do have an idea."
"Go on," Optimus prompted, his voice still the same tone.
"I think the Hierarchs were trying to cover something up. As for what that would be I don't know, but the Oracle clearly respects the Demon and that must have something to do with it."
There was silence as Optimus lent towards Roh. The giant robot made no move to say anything as he appeared to be thinking and unable to help himself Roh spoke again.
"I was told that when we discovered the Humans, things in the Covenant were steadily declining. Perhaps that is another reason as to why war was declared on the Humans." Roh was babbling now. He snorted inwardly at himself; look at him now, what a Field Marshal he was if all it took was an oversized robot to unnerve him. To tell the truth though, Roh had always drawn strength from his belief in the Great Journey. But now that that was a lie where was he supposed to get his strength from? What was he supposed to fight for?
"While I cannot Judge the actions of an event that may not be true," as Optimus spoke, Roh could feel the weight to his words. "Know that if it is true and you show any such hostility towards our Human comrades, we will not hesitate in our actions to ensure their safety. Do I make myself clear?"
"Crystal, construct."
With the hard look not leaving him, Optimus turned to the dark-haired Human in front of Roh, "Major Lennox, I suggest keeping the nature of this 'conflict' from your men. However, it is ultimately your choice, you know your men best."
Said Human grimaced, "As much as I don't want to, it's probably for the best. Things around here'll be tense enough without this."
Roh let out a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding. He'd been unsure what action the construct would take as he'd never encountered anything like them. Not even the Humans employed anything like them throughout the war, which explained the Demon's reluctance to trust them.
Optimus moved away from Roh as he and his comrades began discussing things amongst themselves. On the metal bench next to him the medic construct was attending the Demon and attempting to check her wounds. Roh could hear the frustration grow in the constructs voice as she continued to wave him off. Although, after a short time and with a large smirk on her face the Demon allowed him to go over her wounds.
Taking advantage of the few moments of reprieve Roh mulled over his own situation. He was still slightly confused about everything that had happened. It appeared that they had not landed where either he or the Demon wanted. He didn't know exactly where they were. But, given that there were Humans working with another species and the Demon's nature towards them, they were somewhere completely unknown. Or, that was what he'd thought to begin with, until they mentioned time-travel. The idea was completely ludicrous to Roh, but something in him couldn't help but think that it was the answer.
It is even possible? If we're indeed back in time then everything changes, the war on Humanity can be stopped before it even begins. But something isn't right, these…constructs, they are nowhere to be seen in our time. What happens to them? Are they killed off by this war they keep hinting at? What about Humanity? Would they not have been much different in the future when they met the Covenant? I was aware that we were their First Contact. This doesn't make sense!
By the Forerunners, where are we?!
Frustration brushed over Roh at his musing, followed by trepidation. He wasn't overly worried about being back in time, it was the fact that what he knew about this place so far did not match up with his knowledge in the future. Then there was the fact that if he and the Demon were indeed stuck here then that would mean he was stuck with Humans, on a Human world.
Forerunners, save me. I will surely go mad.
"Sorry about that," Roh looked up at the noise. It was the Human Major and he still looked mildly upset about Roh's revelation from the future. "Do you mind if we continue?"
Roh sent the Human a soft gaze; if he was stuck here he may as well try and get along with the natives. "That is up to you Human. No doubt what I just told you will take a while to come to terms with, even if you are unsure if what we say is true. However, I'm happy to continue."
"You're right about that," the Human forced a chuckle, his body still tense. "So I guess we'll continue. How about your age?"
Roh thought for a moment.
"In Human years I would be about….ffirty," Roh said, struggling with the word at the end.
The Major's brows rose a little, "So you were only a kid when this 'war' started?"
Roh nodded and watched as the Humans eyes travelled to the Demon, realising that she hadn't even been born. Roh realised too and found that it explained a lot about the Demon's bitterness.
Turning back to Roh he asked another question, "Have you encountered anything like the Autobots?"
Not needing to look at the constructs in question Roh gave a similar answer to the Demon's. The Human nodded and ran his hand through his hair in frustration. Clearly he felt out of his depth when it came to Roh and the Demon, but there was something else that bothered him. Frowning Roh decided it would be best to voice his musings.
"I'm curious, Human, you've ask both me and the Demon about encounters with these constructs. Who is it that we may have been in contact with?"
"I think it'll be best for Optimus to explain that," the Major said, withdrawing his hand from his hair and gesturing towards the large red construct.
"The enemy Major Lennox refers to are the Decepticons," Optimus began grabbing the attention of both Roh and the Demon. Bringing a large finger up to the side of his face, Optimus pressed something and his eyes then proceeded to project a sophisticated 3D image that encompassed the entire room. The floor seemed to breakaway where anyone wasn't standing and in its place dark and fiery chasms of metal appeared while metal structures curled up from multiple places. The sounds of explosions were accompanied by different bursts of light all over the room.
"We were once a peaceful race of mechanical robotic beings, until we were betrayed by Megatron, leader of the Decepticons. All who defied them were destroyed," as if to prove a point a large spear shot across the room and impaled a construct. It body was pinned to the floor and instantly went limp. As everyone looked in the direction it came from they saw a large construct with a sharp rage filled face, cheering at his kill. Strange symbols decorated the metal on the side of his face as he turned to the side and with him the view changed to a large battle field. As the battles rage on around them Optimus continued to explain, "Then came the war between the Autobots who fought for freedom and the Decepticons who dreamt of tyranny. Overmatched and outnumbered, our defeat was all but certain. But as our war raged across the planet, the planet itself was eventually consumed and the Allspark was lost to the stars."
Bodies continued to fall on, off and around the metal honeycomb structure that stretched over the chasms. Optimus did not stop in his explanation as the scene around them changed again, only this time it was a giant metallic cube with millions of symbols engraved all over it. "Megatron chased the Allspark to Earth, but crash-landed before he could retrieve the cube."
Again the scene changed and before them, frozen in ice, was the robot they had seen before. A permanent snarl was on his face as his claw like hands were tensed in different positions. "Until last year Megatron remained frozen and unable to reach the Cube. However, when news of the cube reached his Decepticons and us, they stumbled upon his whereabouts and managed to release him."
The scene shifted to a Human city that looked like the aftermath of an assault. Debris and burning vehicles lined the streets as two large, but familiar constructs battled at a crossroads.
Out of the corner of his eye Roh saw the Demon tense and her lips twitch up into a small sneer. But before he could mull over her reaction a young human sprang into view clutching a miniaturised version of the cube they had seen before.
"A destructive battle ensured and in order to prevent Megatron from gaining the Allspark I requested that our young ally, Sam Witwickey, place the cube into my chest." Optimus' voice was heavy and full of regret and Roh could only wonder how important this Allspark was.
The illusion before them continued as Optimus and Megatron grappled with each other. Ignoring the clash of metal on metal the young Human boy rand forwards with the cube in his hands. As he did Megatron kicked Optimus into a building, who then landed near Sam. Stumbling the boy almost fell over as Megatron came running up behind him only to be knocked over by a well-placed swipe to the legs from Optimus –who was still on the floor.
Struggling to stand Megatron clawed at the boy as Optimus attempted to get to his feet, the wounds they'd inflicted on each other making the movements much more difficult. Megatron growled and snarled at the boy, who attempted to crawl away, while Optimus pleaded with him to put the cube in his chest.
The words appeared to make the boy realise something as he bravely stood up and held the cube up to Megatron's chest. With a yell torn from his very being Optimus called out to the boy, but they fell on deaf ears as Sam continued to push the cube up at Megatron's chest.
"Despite my instructions, Sam placed the Allspark into Megatron's chest, both ending his life and destroying the cube. I am forever in his debt," Optimus' voice was sad, but content at the same time. Roh looked up at the construct that had been narrating the illusion before them and saw the way he looked at Megatron. The look wasn't completely full of hate. There was something else, something that reminded Roh of the way he'd looked at his hard-headed brother.
Turning back to the projection before him, Roh watched in awe as hot orange and white light projected from the cube and slammed into Megatron's dark metal chest. A strange noise was emitted and sparks flew as the boy held steady, despite the large and dangerous metal being above him. As quickly as it had begun the bottom section of the cube turned into the hot orange light and slammed up into Megatron's chest.
Roh's awe turned to shock as the large being reared back onto his legs, letting out choked gasps before pitching forwards towards the boy. His hands clutched at his chest as the light from the cube remained. With one last gasp Megatron fell backwards and landed on his back right next to Sam. Dead.
"Since then there has been little Decepticon activity, it is something that worries us as Megatron's second in command –Starscream- managed to flee the battle."
Slowly the floor beneath them returned to normal and a sober look was on almost everyone's faces. Optimus still had a look of regret on his face while Roh noticed that the Demon appeared angry. Roh himself was left feeling a sense of shock. He wasn't sure how to react to what he'd seen. It wasn't as bad as what he'd seen during his time with the Covenant, but that was what made it difficult to say anything.
"I want to help."
The words surprised everyone in the room as they were ground out of the Demon's mouth. Roh's eyes widened a bit, hadn't she been adamant about going home not a few moments ago?
"What?" the Major asked, just as confused as everyone else in the room.
"I want to help kick these bastards off Earth. Unless you have a slip-space drive –or something similar- lying around that I can use to get back," the Demon snapped.
Roh's head snapped up in disbelief, he was on Earth? The home of the Humans? The planet that the entire Covenant was slowly, but surely, making its way towards? No wonder the Demon was twitchy. Knowing the now wasn't the time to think about the implications of this information, Roh filled it away for later and continued to watch the spectacle before him.
"Why do you suddenly want to help us?" the Major quizzed, his brows furrowed together as he tried to wrap his head around the Demons sudden change. Even Roh was wondering what strange thoughts were running through the Demons twisted mind.
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