*Chapter 8: A New Home*

Lennox suggested to make a new base for the Autobots and military since they are on the same side of protecting the world. Now the Autobots will live on Earth peacefully. Optimus has sent messages to other Autobots who remain on Cybertron to come to Earth whenever they can. Still, the Decepticons are still out there and hide somewhere on Earth. And they are after Jack now since Sam isn't so important to them now. Orionna will be there for Jack no matter what. Jack was told to stay at the new base with Lennox and be under protection of the Autobots to be safe on weekends, but Jack's mother should learn about the Autobots now.

After the battle was over, June was so worried and relieved that Jack is home safe and sound. That was the day when she learns about Orionna who is the Ferrari the whole time. June was startled by the truth, but told by Lennox that the Autobots are friendly and made to protect. June wasn't a fan of the idea of her son being part of the military base, unless she will stay with them as well. She is a nurse after all. It took a lot of convincing to June to let Jack stay at the base for a month or two. It depends. June will be welcomed at the base, but if she is needed, she will be there.

The school bell rings and everyone got out of their classrooms. Jack hurried out to get to the front of the school where Orionna was waiting in holoform. As soon as he walked out of the doors, a hand grabbed his arm.

"Jack." A female voice said. Jack turned to see Sierra. "Um, I've heard that you were at Mission City a couple days ago with those robots. I'm glad you're okay."

"Yeah. Nothing broken." Jack said. He couldn't tell her or anyone that he is part of the Autobot team. It will put her in danger. "Barely got out of there alive."

"Yeah. Well, I heard your birthday is tomorrow so here." Sierra gave him a birthday card. Jack took the card with a small smile. He is turning 17 tomorrow. "And I was wondering if you like to see a movie sometime?" Sierra asked.

"Oh, uh, sure. I'll...let you know." Jack said. "I'd like that." He turned away and greet Orionna by the Ferrari.

"Who's your friend? You didn't tell her about us, did you?" She asked with seriousness.

"No. She heard I was in Mission City. I didn't tell her about you or the Autobots that I was now part of." Jack said. "And she just wanted to give me this." He shows her the birthday card. Orionna studied it with her light blue eyes.

"Birthday?" She wondered.

"Yeah. I'm turning 17 tomorrow." Jack said with a smile. He noticed Orionna's confusion. "Wait, you don't know what a birthday is?"

"Does it mean the day you were born?" Orionna asked.

"Yeah. We celebrate the day we were born. That's why it's called birthday. Don't you Autobots have birthdays?" Orionna shook her head at him. They do have their dates of their creation/birth, but it's been so many years. Not even humans could keep track of their birth. Orionna will remember Jack's birthday for the future. "So, anyway, we're going to the new base right?" Jack asked.

"Yes. We are. You do have a weekend off school." Orionna said by getting in the car as Jack sat in the passenger seat. He turned to see Sierra watching with her eyes. Jack could've asked her for a ride, but that would be out of the question. What would Orionna say? The car took off. It's too late to ask now.

Getting to the new base is only an hour drive since it had to be away from civilization. But the city has to be near in case anybody from the base needs anything or if June wanted to stop by if needed.
The Ferrari drove inside the base where the other Autobots waited. Jack got out of the car and look around the new base they made. It is big enough for them to wander around. He turned to see Bumblebee with legs that Ratchet made for him.

"Bee! You got new legs!" Jack said, running up to the yellow Autobot.

"Feels good to walk again!" Bumblebee chirped.

"Sam would be so thrilled when I tell him!" Jack said with a grin. Lennox approached him with a suitcase June packed for Jack while he was at school.

"Here you go, kiddo. Your new room is upstairs. Just unpack, make yourself at home. Remember, you are here on three day weekends. The safer here, the better." Lennox told Jack. Jack thanked the soldier and took his suitcase. Orionna is still in her holoform, watching Jack go down the hallway to get to his new room he will be sleeping in.

"No Decepticons on sight?" Rachet's voice asked. Orionna turned to the medic who is in his holoform. He looks like in his 50s. He has learning to use holoform along with the other Autobots to blend in with humans so their robot forms won't get in a way or accidently destroy things like they did at Sam's yard those nights ago.

"No. They could be anywhere, hiding from afar." Orionna replied. "Believe me, I scan everywhere while I drove Jack here."

"Well, that's good I suppose. Starscream could be soaring above, planning to attack." Ratchet said with worry.

"That idiot will not show his face." Orionna said with a smirk. "Without Megatron, he cannot give orders right." Ratchet couldn't help but to chuckle.

"What is amusing you two?" A male voice asked.

"Oh nothing. Just talking smack about Starscream." Orionna replied, brushing her bangs away from her eyes. A holoform of Optimus stares at her. He smiled a bit. "Are the others coming to Earth?" Orionna asked.

"It takes time for them to arrive, Orionna." Optimus replied. Orionna frowned a little. She remembered what Megatron said to her back in Mission City. Is Elita-1 really dead back on Cybertron? Orionna needs to know the truth. She looked up at her father.

"Is my mother dead before I came to Earth with Bumblebee? Megatron told me when he attacked me, but...I am not sure if I should believe him or not." Orionna asked. Optimus shuts his eyes, letting out a sigh. Orionna knew the answer. Elita-1 is dead. Her strong mother.

"I do not know for sure, Orionna, but I did try to contact her, but all I hear is static." Optimus said. "Arcee should respond sometime when she can. If she or any of the female Autobots found out about your mother, we will know the truth. Megatron may have taunt you to get you off guard."

"I...I hope you're right. Maybe she is alive, but...hiding." Orionna said. "We will keep our sensors open." She walked away from Optimus and Ratchet. The medic turned to the leader.

"Do you believe Elita-1 is alive, Prime?"

"I want to believe. All we have to do now is wait." Optimus told Ratchet in a natural tone.

XX

After finally putting away the clothes in drawers, Jack lays back on the bed. The base will be his second home for a while. This will be an interesting first day. Not only he will be staying, he will help out everyone. Like doing some chores. It shouldn't be hard. A knock was heard. Jack sat up.

"Come in!" He said. The door opened and revealed Orionna peeking in. "Hey, Orionna."

"You need any help?" Orionna asked, walking in the room.

"I've already put my things away, but thanks." Jack said. "I'm just settling in for now. Relaxing before I head back out there." He got out his phone and started to play a song by Alice Cooper. Orionna hears music playing. The song is called Poison. Orionna usually plays rock and roll or pop, but this music is dark. She has never heard of Alice Cooper's music. Jack noticed her reaction and smiled. "This is one of my favorite songs from this guy. Alice Cooper is one of the best!" He claimed.

"Is the woman's lips poison that Alice Cooper mention really true?" Orionna wondered. Jack chuckled at her.

"No, no. That's just part of the idea for the song. There's a music video, but...you wouldn't like it."

"Hm. Well, this music got me into it. Not sure if Bumblebee would like it, but Jazz might." Orionna said. After the song ended, another song played. Jack lowered the volume.

"So, we will be having the rest of the Autobot team soon?" Jack asked. Orionna nodded.

"It may take time for them to come here. I just hope most of them will arrive."

"I'm sure they will." Jack said, placing his hand on her shoulder. "I can't wait to meet them." Orionna smiled a little. Jack always make her smile. He is her light.

Jack had been doing some easy chores for his first day. Giving paper work to some soldiers and make sure Bumblebee's legs are good to go for walking and transform. So far, the day has gone swell. Jack liked every minute of it. And tomorrow is his birthday. He will celebrate it in the base. His mother is invited of course, and to get to know the rest of the team.
After the work is done, it's getting dark. Jack is getting tired after a long day at school and work for the base. Tomorrow will be a big day for him.

"You did great, kid!" Lennox said with a grin. "And Orionna told me that your birthday is tomorrow? Why didn't you say anything?"

"It's not gonna be a big deal. I don't want a party or anything. I just want to celebrate it here with my new friends." Jack said with a shrug.

"That's nice, Jack. And your mom's gonna come here for it I'm guessing?" Lennox asked. Jack nodded, scratching his head. "Well, can't argue with that. Anyway, you did a good job today. Get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow's another day."

"Yeah. Good night, Lennox." Jack said. Before he could go to his room, he went up to the Autobots who are about to transform to get to their rest. "Good night, guys! See you all in a morning!"

"Night, Jack!" Jazz said with a wink. Everyone said good night to him and transform into their vehicle form. Jack smiled and walk away to get to his room. Orionna watched him before the headlights turn off. She has a plan for his birthday tomorrow.