The next morning, Alexis was the first to awake. She looked over by where she last saw her mother and sure enough, she slept in the cot Carlos brought for her. She smiled feeling a lot better now that she knew the truth. Alexis then looked up and saw Starscream beside her, appearing to be asleep. That was until he smiled at her.
"Sleep well?" he asked quietly.
"Better than I have in the past week," she said. "I'm still quite sad that I'm losing my humanity but I am glad that my mother knows. It will be a big adjustment for her as well as me."
"But you have friends to help you and she has you."
"That is true. I hope Megatron doesn't find out until it's over."
"Me too. He could very well use this to his advantage. Especially since no one is on their guard."
"I'm hoping my mother will still be a big part of my life."
"If she is as understanding and friendly as you make her out to be, you shouldn't have any problems."
"What makes you say that?"
"After you kids were asleep, she had a hard time getting to sleep. Her and I shared a few words. She knows I was a Decepticon from what I've said to her about you. You have shaped my life to be a better bot now."
"I don't deserve a comment like that."
"Oh but you do."
Alexis turned to see her mother was awake. "You're awake."
"I really didn't sleep much," her mother said. "Alexis you are a very caring person. If it weren't for your smiles and cheeriness, I wouldn't have gotten over the divorce as quick as I did. Or even accepted your father is remarrying."
Alexis went over and hugged her mother. "I love you so much Mom."
"I don't like what is happening to you but there is nothing that can be done but try to cope it."
"Mom," Alexis pulled away. "I don't want to be away from you but I need to be strong for the Autobots. If the Decepticons were to find out about this transformation the Earth will be in endanger. Megatron doesn't care about anything but himself. He will even sacrifice his own men to satisfy his own needs. He tried that with Starscream that is why he left."
"But that is dangerous."
"Everything in today's life is dangerous. Just getting into a vehicle, could be your last. But that is not the point. The point is, and I've had the past week to think about this, I have decided to help Optimus and I'm going to be careful. I have another being within me, who will be able to help."
"This is too much, too fast."
"I know. I wish it wasn't happening but the Mars rock is reacting to me."
Starscream stood. "I'm going to see if Optimus has heard anything from Cybertron yet."
"Ok," Alexis said. "I hope we find out soon."
--------
In the command center, Optimus was busy at the main computer. Or at least that is the way he looked from Starscream's view as he walked in. But Starscream knew better. He knew Optimus was frustrated and worried about Alexis.
"Mind for some company," he said.
Optimus turned. "No, not at all. I suppose Alexis is awake."
"Her and her mother. She had just told her mother that she has agreed to work with us."
"I had that feeling she would. You know this is going to complicate things. Trying to rescue the Mini-Cons, build the space ship at the same time fighting a war with the Decepticons is difficult as is. She may have some techniques from Kiaudica but that isn't enough. She needs to be trained."
"Yes and I'm going to work with her on that."
"I thought maybe Scavenger could train her."
"I want to teach to use a sword."
Suddenly the computer started to beep.
"Good." Optimus pushed a button, revealing the face of another Transformer. "It's good to see you old friend."
"Like wise," the bot said. "I have done some extensive search on what Red Alert asked for. It's complicated to explain so the information is being sent as we speak."
"That is good to hear, Ultra Magnus. What about the pool of transformation."
"We have been successful in finding the planet without being detected. The inhabitants gave us a sample and said that it could be poured into an underground lake. The surface of the lake is what will transform your friend."
"That's just what I wanted to hear," Optimus said.
"Sir," Magnus continued. "The information that is being transferred will shock you. And all I'm going to tell you is the Mars rock is not from Mars but from Cybertron."
"Cybertron?" Starscream questioned. "How can that be?"
"We'll find out," Optimus answered. "Thanks Magnus. We'll keep in touch." The main computer screen went dead. "Starscream I'll be in the medical bay reading this information over with Red Alert."
"Want me to let Alexis know?"
"Wait. I would like to give her the good news myself in front of everyone."
Starscream nodded.
Optimus pushed another button that would send the information to the medical bay then opened the com-link. "Red Alert. Meet me in the medical bay. Stat."
---------
Optimus already was in the medical bay when his science officer arrived. Red Alert was a little confused when he already told him to continue on the ship.
"You wanted to see me."
"We got the information we were looking for," Optimus answered without looking up. "And you are not going to believe where the rock is from."
"Where?"
"Cybertron."
"Cybertron? How can that be? There's tens of thousands of light years between Earth and Cybertron."
"Reading what Ultra Magnus sent, will clear up the confusion. I just started going through it now."
----------
Starscream arrived back at the lounge to find all the kids were now up and eating. Alexis and her mother were immersed in a conversation at one corner of the room.
"Hey Starscream," Carlos said. "Alexis said that you went to see Optimus. So why did he ask for Red Alert?"
"We have found why the Mars rock is reacting to Kiaudica."
"Really?" Alexis said in a softer voice. "That was quick." Kiaudica had taken over.
"Alexis?" her mother asked.
Alexis turned back to her mother. "It's alright," she said. "I am Kiaudica. Alexis has allowed me to come out so I could meet you."
"T...t...that...can happen?" Mrs. MacDonald stumbled.
"Yes," Alexis said. "Depending on how you look it, it can be a blessing. Alexis told you that she...we will help the Autobots and it's going to be me and some training that will help. I am a rookie, who was killed by Megatron."
"That is something not to talk about right now," Starscream said.
Alexis looked at Starscream. "Sorry. But I want my revenge."
"Alexis told me that seeking revenge could be suicidal. One should have a fool proof plan before attempting it."
"She said that to you," Mrs. MacDonald said.
"Yes and it was from there that my friendship with her started."
All to soon, Alexis suddenly keeled over in pain. Her mother jumped in shock, not sure what to do. But she quickly wrapped her arms around her daughter, holding her close as she whimpered in pain. The boys rushed over to their friend's side.
"What's happening?" she asked to no one in particular.
"Apparently," Rad said. "The transformation is painful. I think it's...Ouch." Rad rubbed his shoulder as he looked at Billy who pinched him.
"How long does it last?"
"Varies," Starscream said. "As much as we hate this, there is nothing that can be done to ease the pain. All we can do is sit back and watch her do this and give her comfort."
Alexis weakly reached her arms up to mother's arms and hugged then tightly. Several minutes went by and then Alexis started to calm down. She weakly lifted herself up but never left her mother's embrace.
"All personal report to the lounge, Stat." Optimus's voice suddenly heard over the com-link.
"Why here and not the command center?" Billy asked.
"Red Alert and Optimus has gone over the information sent from Cybertron," Starscream said. He bent down to Alexis. "Are feeling alright to hear some news?"
"Yes," she said quietly. "The sooner the better."
"Anyone mind telling me what this is all about?" Hotshot asked as he walked into the room. "I was just getting ready to work on the ship."
"I'll give you a quick answer," Carlos said. "Mars Rock."
"Wow. That was quick." He looked over at Alexis and his mood saddened. One look at her and he knew that she just went through another painful change.
Before long, all the Autobots appeared one by one into the lounge. The last to arrived was Optimus and Red Alert.
"As you probably know this pertains to the Mars Rock," Optimus said getting to the point as he entered. "I had asked Ultra Magnus to do a search and what he found is quite remarkable but at the same time, unbelievable. He learned the rock is part of Cybertron."
"Cybertron?" Scavenger asked. "Cybertron is mechanical not organic."
"Many years before the Transformers ever had set foot on Cybertron, there was a civilization of humanoids. Cybertron was once a planet like Earth. One day a huge meteor fell and buried itself deep within the planet. From the pressure of the meteor, it sent pieces of Cybertron into space.
"After many years, when the humanoids started to rebuild, they started to die and the planet began to lose its atmosphere. The civilization was eventually wiped out and the planet began to change into what it is today, mechanical. As the atmosphere began to disappear, more fractions of Cybertron left. These fractions were infected but when it left the planet, it no longer continued to transform."
"So the sparkle look," Rad said as he pulled out his rock. "Is actually the infected parts of the rock from Cybertron? Will it affect us like Alexis?"
"No," Red Alert answered. "In order for the rock to continue it's change, it had to reach a mechanical source. That is where Kiaudica comes in. Kiaudica's spark has change the path of the rock's infection and turned to Alexis."
"So what Starscream brought back," Jetfire said. "Is not really a Mars rock after all but remains of a rock that once was on Cybertron as an organic planet? That I never knew."
"Not many people do," Optimus said. "Only the Matrix holders have this knowledge. The Matrix was in the process of being developed when Cybertron transformed. But it never knew the meteor had sent fractions of the planet into space. It is rumored that some of the inhabitants had survived but were transformed as well. Just like what is happening to Alexis."
"Anyway we could try and figure that out?" Sideswipe asked.
"Not sure," Red Alert admitted. "But on the other hand, we have found some real good news for Alexis."
"What is that?" she asked.
"The pool of transformation has been found and a sample has been collected," Optimus said.
"Awesome," Carlos smiled. "Alexis can be a transformer and a human."
"Too cool," Fred added in.
Alexis's eyes brightened at this new information. And she suddenly had renewed energy. She jumped from her mother's arms and began to dance, smiling. Her new dream was coming true. Everyone smiled as they watched their friend danced, displaying her happiness.
----------
Later Alexis was looking out over the town. Her mother had just left the base to head for home. She didn't want to leave, knowing that it could be the last time seeing her daughter as a person. But she had a few things to do and needed some time to think.
"I thought I'd find you out here," Starscream said as he came up to her and sat. "Your life has been turned upside down but now you can live in both worlds."
"Yeah, but I'm still worried about Mom. She isn't taking it well. I knew I shouldn't have allowed Kiaudica to come out when she did."
"She will. Finding out about your rock is something."
"I wonder how much more Cybertronian rocks are scattered all over the universe."
"I wonder the same thing. But that is not something we need to discuss."
"Can I ask you a personal question?"
"Sure."
"What was your real reason for joining the Autobots? Was it because Megatron tried to destroy you?"
"A little bit of everything but more because I was used by Megatron and being an Autobot was the only way to keep my distance from him. At first I found you were pest. At the time, I didn't understand or want to know why Optimus was friends with you. But now I know why."
"What about the others? How do you feel when you're around them?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Curious."
"I'm honestly not sure how I feel about them but they are ok to get along with. Your friends were easy to figure out. They like to play video games and eat."
"I know they can be pests at times but they do have their good qualities."
"Are you planning to keep your name?" Starscream decided to change the subject.
Alexis looked at him and thought for a moment. "I haven't really thought about it much. Will you still be my friend?"
"What type of question is that? Of course I will. You are my friend as I am yours." Starscream placed his hand to ground.
Alexis smiled. She stood and walked on to his hand. "You are a great friend. I told you, you belonged on the Autobot side."
"That you did. And I have decided to wear the Autobot Symbols and with your help, I'd like them put on."
"You want my help?" she asked. "Can't you do it on your own?"
"On my arms yes but it's more difficult on the wings."
"Sure. I'll help you."
The two walked inside and went to his quarters. There he set Alexis down on his bed and then proceeded to put the symbols on his arms. When that was done, he laid down on the floor and allowed Alexis to place the bigger ones on his wings. It was a bit difficult for her to do, since they were big but she eventually got them on.
She felt a bit surprised that he asked her to help him with the symbols but didn't really question it. She just felt honored to help him. He was now officially an Autobot wearing the symbols. At first it was weird looking at him, just used to the other ones but it was defiantly better then none, which is how he had it from the day he decided to stay with the Autobots.