I only own my OCs!


My Jaeger

TWO WEEKS LATER, SATURDAY, 3:00 AM, START OF SEPTEMBER

I jolt awake at a now-familiar sound, and pull on my robe quickly before rushing to the bathroom and it's occupant. Thankfully, this time, the door is open, though all it proves to me is that this is a particularly severe bout. I kneel to him and lay a hand on his shoulder. "Graham?"

"I'm—I'll be okay."

I sigh. "I know." I sigh softly when he leans back over before rubbing his back. "It's all right." I wait until he leans back before sighing again. "Want me to get Ratchet?"

He shakes his head. "I'll be all right."

"It's pretty bad today, isn't it?"

"No worse than the first few days."

"Want me to get your meds?"

"I couldn't keep it down."

I sigh softly. "You're really not having any luck with this, are you?"

He groans softly. "Not really." He sighs. "You don't have to stay up with me."

"Well, I'm not leaving you in here alone as sick as you are." I shrug. "Besides, I think Ratch and Boulder would both have my head if I abandoned you like this."

"I'm just going to try to get some sleep."

"On the floor?" I sigh before standing. "Come on. I'll help you to your bed. At least there you would be a little more comfortable." I sigh before crouching to him. "Do you think you can stand?"

"I don't know."

I reach down and put an arm around Graham. "Don't worry. I'll help you." I smile gently as I help him to his feet. "We don't need you passing out on the way in there." I lead him to his bed before helping him in.

"Thanks."

I sigh softly. "Don't mention it. That's what friends are for."

"Partners too, I guess."

I sit on the bed beside him and lay a hand on his arm. "What happened?"

"Boulder and I had to help a few of the mechanics who were working on Crimson yesterday morning."

I shake my head, already knowing where this is going. "Ya puked in him, didn't ya?" I shake my head when he nods. "Don't worry about it, Graham. Nothing that hasn't happened before."

"What do you mean?"

"Like Cody says, it takes time to get used to riding in bots. Took me a few weeks, but I handled it better than some did." I sigh softly. "The other one I know of was on a Transformers series I used to watch, but it happens more than you know."

"I'm just happy he didn't get mad at me."

I shrug. "He was there when we started this, Graham, and Boulder doesn't strike me as the kind of mech to get mad at you over something you can't help." I smirk. "Heatwave, on the other hand…"

"Would snap at Kade for looking at him weird some days."

I smile. "Couldn't have put it better if I tried." I sigh softly. "Though, that personality—as much as I hated hearing him pick on Blades, or listening to him and Kade argue every slaggin' day—was the one thing that kept me driving on when Ratchet was dead." I laugh softly. "One of my favorite Protectobot stories Ratchet told was how well Aid could handle him when he lost his cool. Not even 'Jack could do that."

"Protectobots?"

"Another rescue squad off Cybertron. Dani would know what I'm talking about. They didn't last very long after the bots got to Earth. They were a gestalt. Together they formed Defensor." I shrug. "That's why the Rescue Bots–especially Blades—were so glad to have me there—because I was even better than Aid at defusing Ratchet, which made me able to defuse Heatwave when he got all…fired up about something." I think about my words before laughing.

"What?"

"Fired up. 'Wave's a fire truck." I shrug. "You know why I do that. It just struck me as funny."

"Why did you single out Blades?"

"Don't tell him I said this—I promised him I wouldn't tell—but he used to be one—he's the last one—and they were a gestalt."

"Boulder told me about them. It's a miracle Blades is still alive."

"Tell me something I don't know."

"That's not a secret I'd want to keep."

I sigh. "Not one I'd want to either. If I don't tell someone, Blades could die. Ratchet knows, but your family needs to know—the Rescue Bots need to know." I shake my head. "I shouldn't be bothering you with this. You just try to get some rest. I may be in the bays when you wake up. They said they'd have my jaeger finished sometime today." I sigh softly. "Even when you wake up, I want you to take it easy. Light duty, if any. I'll let your dad know you're not feeling well when he stops by."

"When are you planning to meet with Ratchet?"

"After breakfast."

He groans. "Don't mention food."

I shrug. "You asked." I sigh before shaking my head. "Go to sleep, Graham. You need that more than you need to be talking with me." I rub his arm, getting a confused look. "It's just to help you relax. You looked like you needed it."

"Thanks." He yawns.

"Don't mention it, and shhh. Try to get some sleep."


8:00 AM

I change my clothes before heading out the door, leaving Graham to sleep. After getting my tray, I sit beside Gipsy, Mako, and the Becket brothers.

Mako turns to me. "Are you ready to see her?"

I nod eagerly. "I can't wait."

"We designed her after Gipsy… I hope that doesn't bother you."

"Ya kidding? I love it!" I shrug. "'Sides, we could always use another analog jaeger, especially with the kaiju having EMPs." I sigh. "Good thing those things don't affect the Autobots!"

"What?"

I smirk. "CME. It took out the entire town's electric—comms and everything were down—but the bots were still active. Their lights and sirens were down, but they could still move, and save lives like they were supposed to." I sigh. "'Course, Dani and I had to fly Blades backwards to save a plane, and Blades gets pretty queasy when he does." I smirk. "Since I'm part Cybertronian, I can't be damaged with them even in my Cybertronian form."

"That's good."

"Sheyenne? Where's Graham? He's been coming with you every day since we got here."

"He wasn't feeling well."

"Again? What's wrong with him?"

"Same as it has been for the last month now."

"This has gone on far too long to be a normal bug."

I roll my eyes. "Look. I've got a jaeger to see, and a copilot to locate before we have another attack, which could happen at any time, so I have to go."

Cody looks up at me. "I know you and Boulder wouldn't do anything to hurt Graham, but we're all worried about him."

I ruffle his hair. "I know, Code, and we'll fill you all in as soon as we can. Trust me, I know what I'm doing."

Dani sighs. "Have you and Blades come up with anything about the Protectobots?"

I sigh before nodding. "He swore me to secrecy, but sometimes it's too dangerous to keep a secret." I look at the table before looking up at the family. "The rest of you may need a little more explanation, so I'll start from the beginning. Just promise me you won't bug him about this." I take a deep breath before continuing. "One of the other rescue teams on Cybertron were the Protectobots—a gestalt—a combiner team. They formed Defensor, and were built for defense—and occasional offence—as well as rescue work. The five bots that made him up were First Aid, an ambulance and Ratchet's former assistant; Hot Spot, a fire engine and the leader and torso; Streetwise, a police car; Groove, a motorcycle; and Blades."

Charlie gives me a look. "Our Blades?"

Cody gasps. "But he said he had wheels on Cybertron."

I cross my arms. "A bot with wheels being named Blades? That makes no sense." I sigh. "He was trying to hide from the past, just as I was while on Griffin Rock. The others died in an accident involving a ship—not the Sigma, a different one. The engines malfunctioned while Blades was at the helm. He still blames himself for it."

Kade crosses his arms. "And why is that too dangerous to keep?"

"Spark-break. There's never one of a gestalt. Blades is. It's a death sentence. Blades may have an iron will, but I don't know how far he can go without losing this battle. Ratchet may have a way to help him, but…" I sigh. "I can't be sure it will."

Dani gives me a worried look. "Do you know what will?"

I nod. "Spark bonds—he needs the bonds to survive. I don't know how much Heatwave knows, but I'm hoping—since Blades told me 'Wave pieced him together too—you and 'Wave, Dani—that 'Wave knows, and has done something for him." I sigh. "Let's go before they start firing more questions, Mako."

"Do you think he would mind telling me about it? Boulder told me they didn't have siblings."

"Some don't. Some do." I smile. "Optimus and Megatron were twin brothers in the Prime dynasties. Optimus had the birthright." I sigh softly. "Mudflap and Skids were twins—combined in vehicle mode at one point—Ratchet put me over their medical care, so I got to learn a lot about twins." I smile. "The Arcees—Arcee, Chromia, and Elita-1—were a small combiner team, though I never got to see them combine. Devastator was a large one—Decepticon gestalt—and he kind of scared me. The Protectobots were created to go against him. Sadly, he out-lived them. Devastator died in Egypt."


BAYS

We look up at a predominately pink jaeger. Part of me is grateful she's operated by girls. She's got glitter paint, unlike Gipsy's metallic, or Cherno's matte. She's got light blue trim on her conn pod and shoulders, and down her sides.

"I haven't been in a jaeger since Yancy came back."

I roll my eyes at my Asian friend. "Seriously? You're jealous of the man you fell in love with—the man who was lucky to get his brother back after eight years?"

"Do you think I am wrong to feel this way?"

I shake my head. "It's a normal emotion, Mako, but one other people may hate you for." I sigh heavily. "The man I love won't be able to get in a jaeger either—I'm barely letting him in his Cybertronian partner right now." I sigh. "And we already know we're compatible—I'm not sure if it's the first set of best friends who were close enough to be able to drift, but I do know that I would be glad to have you if you want to get back in a jaeger."

"Have you chosen a name for her?"

I sigh. "I have an idea. It's the call sign I used when Optimus and I were on the run—before Ratchet was killed." I smile. "Star Warrior. I've asked Graham and Boulder to paint the symbol on her once he's feeling better."

"Why are you being so secretive?"

I sigh. "Cybertronian medicine and Griffin Rock tech aren't supposed to be known about over the rest of the world yet, Mako. This experiment could save their entire race, so we don't have room for any errors."

"But you're not going to tell me?"

I shrug. "Why tell you if we already know you're going to be my copilot? You'll get it through the drift." I look up at the light pink glittering jaeger with a smile. "She's beautiful." I turn to Mako. "Ratchet said he was going to reinforce any areas that Gips tends to be damaged in with Cybertronium, and Boulder will be out with Graham in a few hours to paint her symbols. By that time, barring a kaiju attack, I should have a chance to talk with Ratchet and Boulder about something sensitive."


THREE HOURS LATER

I start for the medical bay after watching Graham and boulder finish painting the Star-Autobot-Logo symbol that I have tattooed on my hip onto the new jaeger in white. Once at the door, I shift into my Cybertronian form. "Ratchet?"

"Starlight? What's wrong?"

"Nothing, Ratch." I sigh. "Star's really finished. She's beautiful."

"I would have to agree with you, though I would have preferred having Wheeljack around to build her."

I nod. "Trust me. Having her already out there with the jaeger teens would be the highlight of my day, but it wasn't possible, and you have me to blame for it."

Ratchet sighs before laying a hand on my shoulder. "Now don't get down about it. You didn't have any way to save him."

"But I didn't have to cower when you needed me!"

"Starlight, you were young and afraid. You've grown since then." He smiles. "The Army Rangers took you into their ranks without ever asking anything of you, simply because you were allied with NEST. Hong Kong accepted you because you've already saved their city once before. You've proved your mettle to everyone around you."

"I just wish I could have saved 'Jack too."

"You did what you could. No one—"

We both look up at an explosion. I gasp in shock, but manage to avoid diving behind Ratchet for cover. "What the frag?"

"Doc Greene?"

"He's in his suite, looking over the data from our project." I shake my head. "That's the direction of—oh, slag!" I take off running. "Ratchet, get Kade and Heatwave to the Kaidonovsky's suite. I think Cherno's the reason this time."

Ratchet stops me with an arm when I turn to grab my emergency medical kit. "What?"

"He's got tesla cells in his hands, and that particular power causes him to set things on fire easily. Usually, it doesn't blow things up, but when he messes with certain things, they do in fact explode. Cherno's the biggest, but he's just a big teddy bear at heart." I grab my medical kit and take off with Ratchet behind me. "He's as heavily armored as Wheeljack in his jaeger form. I'm more worried about Sasha and Aleksis being hurt by whatever blew." I reach their door to find Kade and Heatwave already at work. "Did you find what blew?"

"Not yet. Doc's hoping Cherno didn't get into his supplies again."

I shake my head when I remember the event from a week ago, when Cherno had been caught digging through one of Doc Greene's cabinets, searching for his missing puppy—even though the cabinets are kept closed unless someone is looking for something. "He was looking for his puppy, Kade. Blades and Boulder got into the search too, remember—even your dad and Chase helped search? Found the pup terrorizing your particularly exhausted brother when he was trying to get his Gremskey Tech homework done."

Kade nods. "I remember. You went off at them for bothering Graham and scared Blades."

"I did?"

"You don't usually blow up at someone like that." Kade sighs before turning to the doused and slightly charred suite. "I don't think anyone's still inside, but I'll check."

"It was just a meltdown, Kade. I have them all the time." I shrug. "But they don't usually terrify Cybertronians."

"You looked like Heat did when he focused his energy for his rescan."

My eyes widen in shock. "I was glowing again?"

"Practically on fire. I almost soaked you before Heat stopped me."

"So he had a damned good reason to be scared, then. I haven't been that far out of control since I felt Ratchet die while Optimus was unconscious."

Heatwave kneels to me. "But you've been close, while you were staying with us."

I nod. I can remember one such time, clearly. "Worst was when I saw the empty tubes…after you drained your energon. I just couldn't bear to lose you like I lost Ratch."

"We didn't mean to upset you, but—."

"I know as well as you do that there was no other option in that moment. Even if there was some fire-powered something I could have used to help, I would have run out of energon myself, and then we'd all be screwed." I sigh. "But that doesn't take the traumatizing images of you off-line out of my mind any more than it does the images of a dying Ratchet while Lockdown taunted him."

Kade turns to me. "I thought you were in Texas."

I slap him upside the head. "I can teleport you idiot."

"Why did you—"

"'Wave, I told all the Burns that I have every power known to man four years ago. I've used my lightning to power the generators when the island was teleported. I've even used flight when Blades couldn't get close enough for a rescue on one mission. I've all but lost control in front of Kade…twice. You'd think he'd know by now about the telepathy, the telekinesis, and the teleportation. That's why I slapped the arrogant jerk upside the head." I cross my arms. "And Chuck and Striker will get the same thing if they even think of upsetting me. You know how bad I can get."


SUITES

I look from Doc, to Boulder, to Graham. "We may have to tell the Burns' about this little one sooner rather than later."

"Why?"

I sigh heavily. "When the family starts hounding me over breakfast, it's usually a sign that secrets aren't going to stay secret much longer. I don't do well in crowds, especially when that particular crowd decides it's a good idea to hound me for information I'm trying to keep locked up."

Graham nods. "We know. That's why Gipsy Danger knows about Humungado and Ravenous."

"And why the jaeger teens are still shaken up about gremlins."

Boulder smiles. "You've done a good job keeping this a secret. It's been six weeks since we got started."

I nod. "And since I've been using the inferno and Cybertronian scanners, I can honestly say that everything is going well, and that I am all but positive that nothing will happen to the little one." I sigh nervously. "Though I still wish we had just gone with me. It'd be a lot less difficult to explain."

"Ratchet can help. I know he's dealt with this before."

I nod. "I was there, Boulder. I even explained it to NEST myself, and foolishly promised them that nothing would happen because his armor was so thick—because he'd survived blowing himself up so many times before." I shake my head. "As a matter of fact, I'm the one who told you about it—that's why we decided to try this slagged experiment in the first place." I turn to Graham. "When it all comes down to it, it's your choice. You have to decide when to tell your family." I sigh. "Though, Mako will know regardless…"

"What?"

I sigh. "We're drift compatible—we found that out when we were training after they made me a Ranger four years ago. Since Yancy's back, she's out of a jaeger, and has agreed to be my copilot. We're doing the first drift this afternoon."

Doc Green continues. "And she'll find out through the drift."

I nod. "Guess you've had a chance to look over the tech."

Doc Greene nods. "It's fascinating."

I smirk. "I'd have to agree with you there." I look at my watch. "Doc, you're late to your meeting with Newt and Gotlieb about the re-sealing of the breach. Make sure they know about my use-the-seed-I-still-have-tied-to-a-kaiju plan. I brought it up to them once, but they weren't receptive then. Cyberformed kaiju can't attack us—now, or ever." I sigh heavily when I see the look in his eyes. "Don't. Drift. With the Kaiju. It's dangerous and foolish. They may have done it, but that doesn't mean you should. If they jumped off a cliff, would you follow them?" He shakes his head. "Now go on before they come looking for you." Once he's gone I turn to Graham. "Think about it. I need to get ready for my first drift."