Friendly introductions

Ellen was sat on her bedside in her hotel room, it was about late morning and she was on the phone grinning. "Go on ask."

"I'm not asking shit." Brook replied.

"Just say it."

"Fine, *sigh*, is the line secure?"

Ellen snickered slightly snorting at the end, "Yes."

"Ch-rist, is that it? That's the build up? G-aaay."

"Thanks for doing it."

"Yeah-yeah it's still gay. So, what's the dirt?" although Ellen couldn't see her, but she bet she was rubbing her hands together.

"No dirt." She said firmly shaking a finger at the phone.

She uttered a bored sigh, "Disappointment? Salt? Bitterness? c'mon give me your toxic feedback here it fuels me, I love that shit as much as stealing from big cooperating supermarkets then returning it to poorer parts of the community."

"Urgh. What are you some kind of fucked up Robin Hood?"

"Difference is I'm real, point is, it got a bunch of happy people reformed back into society from being homeless, to having a dead end job again. Hooray for cheap labour I guess. Nah that would be very tragic, they went back into education. As least they have options of a variety of dead end jobs."

"Uh Brook I don't-"

"Details El, gimme the details."

Ellen started pondering, "Actually, I saw Bumblebee that was a nice surprise, some other bot too, he was a little egotistical-"

"Okay." Brook interrupted, "Now we're getting somewhere, did you slap him around a bit?"

"Um, no Brook."

"Aw El, we role-played this to boost your confidence, you gotta assert your dominance or that little mothers going to walk all other you, next thing you know, you'll be the one with that 'mysterious' black eye that gets you saying 'oh I walked into a door' or 'I can change them'."

Ellen raised an eyebrow and made a very uncomfortable hissing sound, "O-kay that got dark real fast, plus I don't remember 'slap a person with attitude' was what we acted out. I don't think they're the bunch you're used to Brook, where domestic abuse is a normal occurrence, uh I shudder having to say that."

"Stay vigilant at least, first you're all 'buddy-buddy' discussing your hopes and dreams and next you're in Guantanamo bay, separating individual pebbles by colour!"

"'I'll take scenarios that never happened for 500' Pfft." Ellen joked.

"Hey" Brook then started softly, "You got this you stupid butt lord."

"Thanks Brook."

"Know if you don't your showing me the fuck up right? No pressure though."

"Yeah-yeah by-ee." She ended the call as she sighed, her leg started shaking on her heels, "Today is to try out Bee's 'meet n greet' thing. Why do I always say yes to stuff I don't want to do? Oh right insecurities." She started breathing in and out rapidly, "Okay I'm all worked up now, let's just get this over with." She speed walked towards the door grabbing the handle as she halted, debating her options.

Meanwhile at the junkyard, Bumblebee was pacing up and down by the entrance, alone. "Where is she? Nothing happened I hope. I already told the others to expect company, does it matter anyway? They laugh no matter what I do." He kicked a nearby piece of debris.

Hearing an engine approach, Bumblebee stood at a stance, then transformed.

Ellen pulled up pulling off her helmet and shaking her head, "Bee. What are you doing?"

He transformed, "Oh yeah, you told me what you were riding in on." He scratched his head, "Sorry, I'm just a little on edge." He stared at her for a moment, then approached her and gave her a light hug.

"Uh..."

"Hey I'm still in shock from seeing you, I can't get another for old times sake?"

"S-Sorry, I've just not been the 'casual hugger' type for a while now. More like the special occasion type."

"This is the third time we've seen each other after so many years, you call this casual?"

She shrugged and then rubbed her hands together nervously as she started pacing on the spot, "M-Might be because I'm a, little nervous right now too. It's like when we do group discussions at work and you're with complete strangers, it makes me anxious, like what am I going to say? How do I introduce myself to large group? ijustwantyogoinacornerandpretendtobesomeoneelsesoIdon'tlooklikeacompletetoolan-"

Bee placed his hands on her shoulders, "Ellen. Calm down. You were fine with Sideswipe and Russell."

"Well sure when my guards up I try to pretend to be...mm, confident. Talking to individual humans, it's easy it's like a script, performing to hundreds on a stage, easy again because I'm 'acting'. When I'm myself, I'm just a dorky person who cracks jokes about them self, which can either hit a note or just bring attention to my awkward insecurities."

"And who has always been known to be a little dramatic sometimes. El, they're not Primus, just my team of a variety of your average Cybertronian. I mean two of them are technically still adolescents." He said reassuringly.

Ellen's eyes widened however, "Well I figured they'd be young, 'Cybertrons grand re-opening' remember?"

"Come on Ellen." He mustered. "I'm sure they'll make you feel very welcome. You remember their names right? I sent you their profiles."

"Yes I got them; Let's just make sure there is no awkward pause in-between..."

Bee led Ellen to the core of the junkyard, with all members of his team chattering amongst each other, some slight arguments but nothing out the ordinary for him. He then placed his hands on his hips and cleared his vocals...to which they ignored.

"AHEM!" he called louder.

Which worked too well.

"Now that I have your 'dedicated' attention. Alright team, I'd like you all to meet an old friend of mine, well she's more family than anything. She was present during our whole struggle with the Decepticons and Megatron. She's pretty much seen it all, so I'd like you to show the same courtesy you show me, Sideswipe even more so." He then paused regretting his choice of words, "You know what just be nice, Sideswipe nice-er."

A fall of eyes made her uncomfortable, "You don't have cater to me Bee, it'll just make things odd I think. I'm just another human, that's all."

Strongarm stepped forward, "How exciting, I know you mentioned having human allies but never by name."

Bee looked down at Ellen, "We thought it was safer to keep you and the others out of our affairs, in case this was used in the future."

"I figured it was something like that, If you all thought it was for the best."

"Believe me it was a hard decision, So...do you wanna speak to them?" he quietly asked.

Ellen looked to the group who were waiting for some kind of response from the two. "What, now? To all of them, why you putting me on the spot here?"

"Nothing flashy, just say what you're doing here, that kind of thing." He nudged her.

"I know, don't patronise me." She waved a little, "Hello, I'm Ellen."

"Hi Ellen!" Grimlock greeted.

Ellen felt her heart skip a beat to the quick, loud response, "Heh, that's er, very enthusiastic. So, I'm here to act as a human consultant and other roles. So for example gaining you access to hugely populated areas, providing you with resources, advice on a professional level, that kind of area."

Grimlock put his hand up, "Ooh, ooh miss."

"Um, yes Grimlock sweetheart? I-I mean; you don't need to put your hand up Grimlock you can just speak to me."

"Right er, um...actually I forgot." He stated bluntly.

"O-kay, well I hope you don't mind my presence and I'll be around." She waved turning around to head back to her bike.

Bee however put a hand up, "Hold on, this could be a good communications exercise."

"Pardon?" Ellen uttered.

He knelt down, cupping a hand around his mouth and nudged her playfully, "Come on, it'll do you some good. Get back into the swing of things, being part of a unit again."

"Keep nudging me Bee and I'll take a finger." She sighed. "fine but make it out as like some kind of interview, so I can a make a bio, an analyse of their personalities and how to figure out how to harmonise this team work you had in mind, I am here to work after all Bee." She looked over at Grimlock, then cupped a hand over her own mouth and giddily said, "Kind of excited to see a Dinobot though, oh my gosh have you seen him? I absolutely adore dinosaurs."

"I know you do. So many plastic toy dinosaurs would somehow find their way into my grill and get stuck there for years."

She hissed a whisper, "Shh! Don't be talkin' about my Dino's."

In a random part of the yard, Ellen set up a folded table and chair, with her notebook and pen and looked around, "heh, 'shall we step into my office? Sorry about the mess', pfft."

Bee shook his head to her humour, "Now you just sit here and I'll send each one up individually to get a good introduction to them."

"It's not a surprise party Bee, this is just work."

"Yeah, sure, sure." He agreed lightly. "That's why I know you wouldn't mind talking to Grimlock first."

"Why are you saying that in way that I wouldn't mind it? Are you trying to prank me?"

"Would I?"

And so...

"So Grimlock, tell me a little-"

"Whoa have you seen this, look at this, on my tail, that is crazy." He spun around twice trying to grab his own tail.

"Yep that's a, leaf one of billions more like them, may I continue please?"

Grimlock tilted head in concern, "Yeah of course what's stopping you? Is the leaf offending you? Because I can ask it to Leave?" he froze. "Ha! Leave! Because it sounds like leaf! I didn't even plan that." He went close up to her face and tapped on her notes, "you can put that down as a strength if you'd like a 'punny master' huh?"

Ellen pulled a face like she was trying not to cough after some water went down the wrong way, "Pfft-mmm okay that was pretty good actually, but Grimlock I mean other than you being a, 'improvisation conversationalist', what's your strengths in a tactical unit?"

"Well I'm a Dinobot, that's gotta be worth at least, 100 points right?"

"I-It's not a point system, but I can see what you're getting at. You make up most of the teams physical strength."

"Er, right. Did I mention I'm the most likable of the group, they give me allot of flattery especially from Strongarm calling me a 'criminal' heh-heh I think she's trying to be ironic."

Ellen folded her lips into her mouth, "Mm-hmm, um I can't think of anyone being called a criminal for flattery, except for some songs- y'know what let's say you're very social? Easy to get along with others?"

"Yeah-yeah and then 'Master of disguise'."

"Bumblebee said that they haven't been able to find a suitable form for you yet."

"That's why I had this idea." He said doing a hand stand and shaking trying to balance on his head, "See when I'm out in public I can pretend to be a tree see?"

Ellen tilted her head, "Oh uh...More leafs? Oh wait, 'make like a tree and get outta here' right? I love those movies."

Grimlock stood back on his feet and looked disappointingly at her, "Er, that wasn't very punny." He stated seriously.

Ellen sighed, "No it's from a classic pop cultural movie, y-you know what never mind."

"You know what you need? Some lessons from the pun master."

Ellen face palmed, writing down her notes.

GRIMLOCK.

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST.

PEAK OF PHYSICAL STRENGTH.

...POP CULTURALLY INSENSITIVE

Next up Strongarm.

"So, Strongarm, tell me about yourself."

"Can I say first miss consultant, that it is an honor to meet one of the few humans that were allied with our Autobots, I mean you are so tiny how did you not get crushed?"

Ellen looked herself over and pulled a slight pouted face, "f-for your information I-I have grown a couple of inches since then." She informed.

"Oh really? And inches?" she said chuckling slightly to herself. "N-No disrespect of course."

"It's a little late for that." She thought to herself pulling a face.

"Can you tell me about the others? Did you know Arcee, she was a femme to aspire to. Oh I have so much to ask you about her that the Lieutenant never did."

Ellen scratched her head hissing through her teeth, "Arcee huh? Um, well we were on good terms in the end, but we weren't exactly close." She simply put it.

...

...

"R-ight." Strongarm replied awkwardly tapping her fingertips against her other hand.

Ellen cleared her throat, "S-Strongarm, please can we talk about yo-"

"Oh I am so sorry Miss consultant, please continue."

"That's okay let's just- did you say Miss consultant?"

"Its too informal isn't it, I was asking Russell how to address humans with job titles-"

Ellen stroked her chin, "Miss collaborator...hmm, miss Ellen heh... e-er on second thought Ellen's just fine Strongarm."

"Okay, Ellen ha-ha. So about myself; I have a clean record, I'm currently a cadet on a law enforcement factor on Cybertron known as the Elite guard, I believe I am reliable, trustworthy, loyal, with a chance to prove myself."

"The Elite Guard, the most distinguished to come out of the academy, but have been known to be engaged in some shady business in the past." Ellen pondered as she looked over her stance, straight as a pencil and at one point she was straightening Ellen's table and belongings.

"Shady business? Only senior students were allowed access to those kind sensitive documents of our history."

Ellen bit her tongue, "The bots would talk about quite a bit of their history. Even things that was only meant for the audio receptors of a Prime." She said with half truths.

"Primus really? We would get tried for that now."

This made Ellen curious, "What are your beliefs regarding law Strongarm?"

She whipped her head up, "That they should absolutely be followed, protocol too, to the book." She said with absolute certainty.

"Hmm. You know Strongarm, It's just an opinion so feel free to criticise me as much as you like, but I don't believe justice is as simple as following a rule book, no, there is a saying, Law does not equal morality."

Strongarm frowned. "I'm sorry, I don't follow? What does that mean?"

"Its something you'll encounter numerous times in your life, you'll understand it but it's something you have to see, not be told."

"O-kay?"

"You might even see it in...Your comrade Sideswipe and possibly get a better understanding of-"

"Sideswipe! He is an insubordinate ruffian, with no thought to his actions! Constantly breaking rules, with his stupid 'not caring' attitude. Then goes on to call it fun!"

"I didn't mean any offense Strongarm. I only meant from his perspective the law may not be so favorable to him."

Strongarm dipped her head, "I'm sorry I didn't mean to get so flustered, I find it hard to see it that way, since-all he has to do is follow it! How is that so hard!?"

"Just something to muse, I hear Cybertronian law is quite strict, but don't take me too seriously I like to hypothesize. I also like to try and figure out folk, find their little ticks, try to emphasize, of course it's not always so black and white."

"Can I ask you something, Ellen? A-As our consultant of course...actually it's more a personal question."

"Of course."

"You were young, during the fight with the Decepticons, and vulnerable. The lieutenant, although vague and brief has mentioned when humans would help, even be on the front line, but you were still limited to what you could do...or not even giving the chance to prove you're not, that you can do more."

"You're not talking about us human kids are you?"

She dipped her head, "No."

"Well, for me personally even on those rare occasions where I was able to do something, I still never found myself useful. But that's just self doubt speaking, everyone has to discover their strengths and weaknesses so they can focus on improving those strengths, and then overcoming weaknesses with compromise, but sometimes that's not an option. Sometimes you have to accept those weaknesses, which mostly takes a lot of patience, which wasn't one of my strengths, heh."

"Right, patience."

Ellen patted the top of Strongarms hand that draped on her table, "Growth takes time, that's kind of the frustrating part about being a kid, but you will grow, everyone does, even a little." She stroked her hair, "I'm sorry, I'm not very good at offering personal advice or anything, and I'm usually the one asking for it."

"No, I think I get some of what you said, growth comes in time. Thank you."

"No problem, it was nice meeting you Strongarm."

"You too."

STRONGARM

EAGER TO LEARN, BECOME INDEPENDENT.

BELIEVES TO FOLLOW THE LAW, NO EXCEPTIONS.

NICE BOT.

Ellen lay back in her chair, "what a nice young femme."

Sideswipe came slumping in, dragging his feet as he stood in front of her sighing, "Hey, just so you know Bumblebee forced me to do this and basically black mailed me so, don't think this is for pleasantries or anything."

Ellen mentally rolled her eyes and rested her head in her palms, "Ah Sideswipe it's such an honor to have you grace my presence."

"Ha-ha very funny."

"You understand my 'first impression' was just my job right? How about we start over."

"No thanks, let's just get this over with I have better things to do with my time."

"Alright, you don't have to be here, you're not obligated to be I'll just tell Bee you did it. You're, your own bot after all."

Sideswipe suddenly took an interest, "Yeah I am, and you can't tell me what to do, so maybe, I do want to stay and that's my decision, so there." He folded his arms and closed his eyes smugly.

Ellen grinned lightly, "If that's what you want."

"It is."

"Very well, how about you start then."

He gave a brief thumbs up, "That's more like it, so my strengths are that I'm not Strongarm, like Strongarm or have any weaknesses like Strongarm. So you can probably get the jist from that. Oh and I'm slick, fast, smart, charming, a lover of freedom-"

"I'm sorry what was that bots name again? I don't think I caught it after the first three times."

"Pfft." He uttered.

"Couldn't help myself, can you be honest with me a second here? Bumblebee tells me that you were arrested just before coming here. What was that for?"

"Pfft, I was just having a little fun, popping a few wheelies around the Prime statues you know."

"Why is that? Feeling restricted?"

"Look if you're trying to analyze me, forget it, I don't know you, even if I did I rarely like to share details, so tough luck girly."

"I'm just making a bio, but you know if you feel like you don't want to share I understand, that's your business this isn't mandatory you're free to do as you please."

"Is that it? You're not going to argue with me or anything? Moan? Lecture? Manipulate me into thinking staying was my idea?" He nodded knowingly.

Ellen smiled impressed, "Huh that's interesting. Look I'll be straight this time, you seem to stick to what your mind already makes up, convincing you to stay would be pointless thank you for your time Sideswipe and again I'm sorry for making you feel like a criminal during our first encounter."

"Yeah well..." he started defensively, "N-No problem dude, just don't make a habit of it and just a suggestion when your around us can you ease up on the professionalism? Just act like you."

"How do you know how I act?"

"I can just tell, the way you restrict yourself when you talk a certain way, like you seem to apologize for cracking wise and then change the subject. It's all a bit fake...I hate fake."

"Things, aren't so simple for me in that way but...sure thing mister attitude."

"Pfft, weak. When I said act yourself I didn't realize your comebacks were going to be this poor."

"Hey the mentality of humans do mature faster than Cybertronians, I figured I better be the mature one and not roast you too hard." Ellen announced 'fingernail checking' as she said this.

"Oh really, you think your all that?" Sideswipe replied back folding his arms.

"Dude please, my sarcasm levels are so high I can't even see you on the ground."

"Oh really, If I promise to miss you, will you go, like, really far away?"

"If you're here, who's running the pits?"

"Oh, I didn't tell you? Must be none of your business then."

"Hear that? It's the sound of you not talking for once."

They glared hard at each other for a brief moment, then Sideswipe walked away backwards still locking eye contact, "That was okay, I guess, you tiny useless thing."

"Oh wow, never heard that one before."

"Was that sarcasm that time?"

"I have transcended sarcasm to the point that even I don't know when I'm joking, it's a blessing and a curse use it wisely Sideswipe."

Sideswipe rolled his optics, "Oh okay now that's just overkill and the joke is now ruined." he said leaving. "Oh and you did ruin your first impression with me, I think you may even be a step down from Strongarm."

"Oh like that's the biggest disappointment of my life." Ellen performed the 'I'm watching you gesture' as Sideswipe rolled his optics and left.

Ellen then turned to her blank page in her notebook underneath Sideswipes name, "Lets see...um...ah...I'm pulling up blank here."

SIDESWIPE.

...N/A.

Next up, Fixit.

"Greetings, Melon-Felon *whack* Ellen." Fixit greeted. "My apologize I was damaged in the crash, I am Fixit caretaker of the Alchemor."

"That's alright you can't help th-" she tensed up noticing Fixit's optics were wandering, "Are you okay?"

His head started glitching to the right, "I'm Leachy I-I mean bleachy-meechy-preachy-Peachy!"

"U-Uh Bumblebee?"

Sparks started flying and suddenly an explosion.

"Bumblebee!"

A few minutes later Ellen was writing, covered head to toy in grey dust and pretended everything was normal, "I'll catch up with Fixit later." Someone's boots caught her eyes as they were already facing downward. She looked up to be greeted by a man, but her eyes were fixated on something, so much so they were sparkling.

"Oh, m-yy."

"Hello! Denny Clay here proud owner of this here vintage collectors storage establishment. Bee mentioned you wanted to discuss something vital with me."

Ellen's face glowed, she had to keep a professional facade! but-but this man! She stuttered on her words , "Y-You-You..." she stood up stomping straight up to him as Denny was met with the sudden surprise of personal space invasion! What came over her?! She was flustered! She was daydreaming! She was-

"T-That's..."

"Hmm? Oh I see, you must recognise good taste."

"I-Is that a Battlestar galactica BSG Prop Boomer Grace park outfit?!"

Head over heels for a collectable item?! And Denny shared the same train of thought.

"Why yes it is." He mused.

Ellen placed her hands on her chest. "May I?" she pleaded politely.

"Of course you can." He placed it in her hands as she got out a loupe and placed it on her eye and started visually scanning the object, "Used. Clearly, a wear and tear here but still one of the better ones I've seen." She took a deep breath. "Smell that? Its 1978, and it smells like an old persons floral patterned sofa." She mused.

Denny lent an elbow on her fold out table, "I was going to say pillow with the tartan pattern but there is definite hints of old after shave."

"Huh, your right." She tapped fingers on the table as she looked around to see if anyone was in eye shot, "Sir, if I may, I'd like to invest in this, you can reject of course as you clearly have a similar passion but I have an original cylon centurion helmet that this would look so pleasing to the eyes next to."

Denny looked left and right cautiously as he pulled out of his pocket what seemed to be a business card as he slid it over to her, "Meet me at this address and we'll discuss it there." He uttered secretly.

"Oh and Mr. Clay?"

"Please call me...Denny."

"Mr Denny Clay, I'd appreciate it if you'd keep my passions on the hush-hush, allot of people just can't appreciate revolutionary products of the times, when costumes and props were made from scratch and imagination. not to mention the symbols that act as a gateway to time travel itself reminding us what is truly important and to not forget the lessons of our youth."

He nodded seriously, "Don't say another word I totally get it, nice meeting ya."

Ellen looked left and right, then it hit her as she smacked a hand over her forehead, "Oh! Thats right! Um actually Denny I still need to go over some things regarding the guaranteed safety for your family."

"Oh yeah that's what I was called here for wasn't it?"

"My bad. I had better go over that with you."

He nodded and sat down, "Hey, if you like that I have some original stop motion props they used in Jason and the Argonauts." He winked.

Ellens eyes glowed, "Oh I love that movie, the time, the patience and effort they put into that." She swooned, "O-h me and my-I! used to watch it on rainy days, I loved the skeleton bit."

Then Denny uttered these simple words that guaranteed Ellen to visit the scrapyard on more than one occasion. "You don't happen to have a collectable interest in Star Wars do you?"

She dropped her pen.

"Good. Grief. Happiness; Thy name is Denny Clay." She awed as she swore she felt a heavenly light fall upon her with a faint choir singing 'hallelujah'.

With that wrapped up, she gathered her things, then suddenly saw Russell at her feet, "Oh Russell right? How's it going?"

"You going somewhere? I thought you wanted to meet everyone?"

"Our current visitors yes, your father was the exception I was giving him reassurance."

Russell frowned, "I'm a part of this team too you know."

"I'm sure you are, but I only needed an analysis of the Autobots, besides why would you want to talk to me?"

He kicked the dirt under his feet, "I don't know, just something to do. It's so boring around here with my Dad, and I can't go on any missions. Actually I kinda do, we mostly do disguise things, costumes and- its, its complicated."

"Try me." She thought, it would be interesting to swap stories and she was curious as to how they were able to fool anyone with mere costume disguise but...

"I, have to go. But listen this time with your Dad, Make the most of it, you'll miss moments like these one day. Stay safe and listen to the others. I'll see you around. Oh here's what I can give you." She handed him a piece a paper with her second phone number on. "If you guys need anything or you yourself, if you're in trouble or need a lift. I'm your civil servant."

"Er thanks, I guess."

Ellen went to her bike and started tying up her equipment.

"So, what do you think?" Came Bumblebee's voice from behind her.

"You've got a nice mix of personalities here Bee."

"Colorful enough that you'd consider sticking closer by?" he hoped.

"Bee..."

"Come on, you need to be around us again, you've become disconnected from us. You may be of Earth but you were raised on Earth culture and Cybertronian culture, you know you were taught things that this generation of Cybertronians wouldn't even know existed? Why are you purposely distancing yourself from us?"

"Bee don't do this."

"Why won't you believe me about Optimus?" a defensive tone rising in his voice.

"Stop it Bee. I mean it."

"Why won't you talk about him?!" He demanded.

"Because it's only just taken me now to move on!" she snapped.

...

Bee blinked, then was conflicted between frowning or not. He opened his mouth as air just came out then tried the second time, "What do you mean move on? You can't really ever move on from losing someone, you can't just forget about him, especially now since he's-"

"I can't think about him. Even if what you say is true I-I just can't! I told myself not to think every day after that day. About him."

"That's alright, to think of memories I mean-"

"No." She frustrated. "No. I don't mean to not think of him at all. I mean to think every day that maybe…" she placed a hand on her forehead, "That maybe one day. He'll come back, or maybe I'll see him." She shook her head. "Nothing…I feel him close, but at the same time, I can't feel him at all. That why I decided, not to think like that. That he'll come back any day now. And, maybe it's time I just. Move on, Like I should of. The fantasy of my words, 'I'll see him again one day'. At the time, I never realized how…'lonely' my journey would be. But I prefer it that way now."

"You prefer it? Or you thinks it's the only way?"

She placed hands on her hips, shutting her eyes. "I don't…I don't fit in, sure I have my friends but human society I mean. I thought my job would bring more practical things than most jobs, but no. the only thing I get any satisfaction out of is my theatre work. Acting…I loved to perform, and tell jokes. The only ones I do that for are my closest friends." Her eyes glowed. "My life was never dull, so much so I got exhausted, from the worry, the danger, and the laughs. And that's just how it is; human nature always loves nostalgia, no matter how much you complain at the time. Pfft, and I remember a time when I was freaking out over you guys going back home."

"Ellen-"

"The truth is I love problems I love being able to help solve them. I had to take this job because I had no choice but to, it was either that or homelessness. I always wanted a role where I can help people, but now I'm just trying to follow the tail ends that you guys leave."

"You can still have that chance El; you just have to believe in yourself a bit more."

"I wanted to, you guys made me feel like that, but then I didn't hear from you, there's a thin line between paranoia and genuine suspicion, but the days grew into months and I started to think you'd all...I say the journey was lonely but that was only after Ratchet-" she pinched her forehead.

Bumblebee looked on with sympathy, "Oh El I would never just stop contact with you, as I said before, Cybertron is in political turmoil right now, none of us mentioned your connections to Optimus because we didn't want to get you, or Jack or Miko or-or Raf blacklisted by our council."

"Blacklisted?"

Bee sighed, "That's why you need to stay for a little while, to catch up on things, but we would have never left you, we all have good reason for the lack of contact I wager my spark that Ratchet has a good explanation too."

"I know, I just have such low expectations about myself I just can't help thinking that way sometimes."

"I did see Optimus Ellen, we all did. And it wasn't a hallucination." He told her straight up.

"..."

"Ellen?"

She stared silently at the floor, "I-I...I mean what do I say to that? My head says no, my tightened chest says 'this is what I've been waiting for' my heart is just preparing itself for more ache, my arm that was made from his very own metal has been restless. I-I don't understand...Bee...he was dead, he sacrificed himself so the Well of Allsparks could produce bots such as Sideswipe and Strongarm...and-and right now I feel angry, it used to be 1 + 1 is 2 and now its dying means death but not really? What am I supposed to- I feel like someone is screwing with me by doing the whole carrot on the stick method, just as I think I have it, it gets yanked away and then when I get over the fact that I can't have the carrot, it gets dangled right in front of me again."

She sat down on the ground, "What do I do Bee?"

He shook his head slowly, "I-I'm sorry I can't offer any advice the way Optimus would."

"Bee, you're not him, but you're not supposed to be." She told him firmly.

"Not supposed to be?"

They sat in silence. "Well, if I could think of anything it's that, it's up to you if you want to believe that somewhere wherever the realm of Primes is that he's alive that's your choice. But if you want you can be a part of this team now, that's also your choice. But as much as I'd liked to decide for you, I can't. Only you can make these choices Ellen, no one else." He offered.

Then he thought, "You said you'd been struggling with loneliness? What about the human friends you mentioned? What about-"

"I talk to old friends often, Jack, Miko Raf, Sam, Eve, Rochelle. It's just work restricts me from seeing them and hanging out. The only one who I can see on a daily basis is my friend Brook."

"Hmm that name doesn't ring a bell, Have you known her long?"

"Oh yeah I've known her about, mmm, 17 years."

"17 years? Wait then, I was around...you've never mentioned her before?"

"She likes her privacy and she's a bit paranoid. I'd sneak out to go hang out with her, I didn't think Dad would approve."

"Why not? Optimus wouldn't judge what kind of friends you had."

"It was her idea, the more I told her about Dad, the more she thought that he might not let us see each other. I didn't think he would ever do something like that but Brook got scared, at the time I was one of her few friends and she didn't want to risk any chance that we'd be separated."

"What kind of kid thinks like that?"

"It's...difficult to explain." She said dodging the question. "S-She's a good person really, she's just...well let's just say she doesn't exactly have a clean record, she thinks differently on a moral scale and loves drama especially ones that she likes to cause between people even more unethical. She steals, she damages property, she gets into brawls, she becomes easily aggressive and hostile at any kind of confrontation."

"Oh...she sounds like a-"

"Bad influence?"

"Troubled individual. I as going to say."

"Sure you were. Either way, I can think for myself and she's done allot of good as well. like help rebuild communities that have been devastated by economic downfalls, nature such as tsunamis and hurricanes that have become 'yesterdays' news and no one seems to care anymore. She fights for human's rights on a global scale, environmentally friendly and helps troubled teens figure what they want to do with life, or if they're struggling on the streets or have behavioural issues. She basically seeks out hidden problems that people think doesn't exist anymore, I think it's because it's relatable to her, being a 'forgotten' case that has been failed by the system. And I really admire that about her."

"huh, she sounds like a difficult case, she sounds like she works hard doing good, yet, works hard being a bit of trouble too."

"Yeah but she really gets what I'm like you know, she's very encouraging if not a bit pushy."

"Well as long as she isn't hurting anyone...she isn't hurting anyone right?"

"Only people's feelings and the random fights with other aggressive folk that jump her for some reason. She lives off the grid." She shook her head, "Anyway, I shouldn't ramble."

"Feels a little good to speak freely though doesn't it? You were smiling when talking about your friend."

"Huh, I guess I was...what about you?"

"What about me? I got this thing way under my thumb." He bragged, hesitantly laughing.

She walked up to him and poked him in the face, "Stop putting so much expectation onto yourself you'll get sick." She scolded.

He shrugged, then sighed sitting down with his knees propped up. "Easier to say than do."

"I know. Preach, am I right?"

"What was I thinking? I'm having a lot of trouble myself." He said hopelessly.

Ellen chuckled lightly, "I thought as much, your body language says allot Bee.

"Was it that obvious? I guess I'm not exactly a hardened mystery harbouring all my inner demons am I?"

"Nothing wrong with being expressive."

Bee raised a knowing eyebrow at her, "You're right, there isn't."

Ellen sighed.

"If I have to try, can you at least try to be a little more opened up, be yourself that kind of thing?" Bee added.

"I'll...also try."

"Good." He looked to his team, "you're coming back soon right?"

"Hm, I'm not supposed to make house calls no."

"Communication works better if the whole team works closer together."

"I need to do this slowly, I want to get to know them all but, it's just hard to start."

"Oh Ellen."

"I'm sorry that's just how I am right now, my confidence is pretty shaken, but maybe I can join you on some rare missions perhaps something routine like re-con?"

"I'd like that, we'd like that I'm sure."

"You don't have to say it like that to make me feel included in your team Bee."

"Speaking of team, check this out." He stood up enthusiastically, "Autobots hooooo!"

Ellen's eyes widened as she looked slightly terrified, "What, the hell, was that?" she breathed.

"O-Oh come on! I thought at least you'd be encouraging!" he whined.

"encouraging what? The war cry for mad max fury road characters?"

"O-Oh um, I'm working on a battle cry."

"Is that what that was? It sounded like someone kicked you in the knee half way through a sentence."

"Aw come on, I'm under allot of pressure here."

"Hey you did say to be myself, heck I'm only teasing you Bee, even if I was genuinely terrified, you did it to me plenty of times. If you re-call?"

"*sigh* I do." He expressed fondly producing a small smile at her and she in turn did the same.

A/N

LoveAngel5952 - Thank you for your continuous support old friend :3

Guest - Thank you for being so patient and that's sweet of you to say ^_^

Paradox Seekeress - Thank you for the concern for my living status XD and yes there is more...in fact here it is now :P

ZabuzasGirl - Thank you :D

again hope you don't mind me mentioning Brook here and there, I just really want her to be part of this somehow X'D