JML Ranch: *busy typing away*
Optimus: *whispering* I think scaring her while she is working is a bad idea... There's no telling what she will do...
Ratchet: *whispering* You're right. Try telling that to the Terror Twins...
Sunstreaker and Sideswipe (Terror Twins): *snickering as they sneak up behind me*
JML Ranch:*smirks when I hear the Terror Twins snickering*
Terror Twins: *Screams when I whirl around, pointing a Kimber 9mm handgun at them* Where did she get that thing from?!
Optimus, Ratchet, and Ironhide: *breaks out in loud, raucous laughter*
Ironhide: I believe you two have been busted big-time...
JML Ranch: That's right, Sunshine and Swipey.
Sunstreaker: Don't call me that!
JML Ranch: Better than Sunny Sides Up. That's my nickname for you two troublemakers.
Optimus: *slaps a hand over his mouth to keep from laughing out loud*
Ratchet: HAHAHAHAHA! That's the best one I have heard!
Ironhide: I'll second that, Ratch!
Hera Prime: What's up, sista!
JML Ranch: Hey Hera! Not much, just scaring the slag outta Sunny Sides Up.
Terror Twins: *Glares at me*
Hera: Ha! Good nickname for the Terror Twins. Need help chasing them out of your room?
JML Ranch: Please... I'm getting tired of their antics. Feel free to use your cannons on them.
Hera: Gladly. *onlines both cannons and points at the Terror Twins* All right! GET THE PIT OUTTA HERE NOW!
Terror Twins: *screams like little girls and flees when Hera's cannons whirls dangerously*
JML Ranch: I never thought that two full-grown mechs would scream like little girls... *doubles over laughing* At least they won't be bothering me for a while. Ironhide, would you do the disclaimer and warnings?
Ironhide: Gladly. *powers up both cannons* JML Ranch does not own a slagging thing about Transformers. They belong to Hasbro. The warning is for mild language and strong scenes. *powers down cannons* That cover everything?
JML Ranch: Yes, and thank you again. *holsters gun* Here's Chapter 3!
Bond
Thoughts
"Primus Speaking"
Song
"Normal Speaking"
:Comm link:
It had been a few weeks since we had moved in to the new base. I discovered that Elita-One, Arcee, and Chromia were triplets, and that Orion was their big brother. Sideswipe and Sunstreaker were twins, as well as Mudflap and Skidz. I tended to avoid both sets of twins, due to the fact that they were like immature teenagers and they kept trying to hit on me. The older twins loved to pull pranks, and I found this out because they had pranked poor Ratchet. Apparently they redid his Med Bay in neon pink with silver. There had been no sign of Decepticreep activity, which caused Orion to worry about what they were planning. I had killed time by creating several oversized beanbag chairs- some big enough for the Autobots, others human-sized. I was lounging in one of the beanbag chairs in the rec room, bored out of my processor. Pulling up my phone on my HUD, I opened up the music app and browsed through the songs I had. I picked one of my favorite rock-and-roll songs, Ramblin' Gamblin' Man by Bob Seger. I closed my eyes and nodded my helm in time to the song. It was not too long before I lost myself into the music, oblivious to what was happening around me.
Miko and Jazz stood off to one side talking, when they noticed me jamming along with the music. They watched me with rapt curiosity, wondering what I was listening to. I started to sign along to one of my favorite songs, Texas In 1880 by Radney Foster. I still had my eyes closed the entire time.
I can hear the wind whispering my name
Tellin' me it's time to head out again
My horses are trailered and the lights are shut down
I'm long overdue for heading outta town
Gotta fever they call the rodeo
Just enough winners and make the next show
Sometimes you make eight sometimes you hit dirt
Go on pin another number to the back of my shirt
And I'll ride that pony fast
Like a cowboy from the past
Be young and wild and free
Like Texas in 1880
Just like Texas in 1880
From Phoenix to Tulsa to the Astro Dome
From New York City down to San Antonio
There's boys that are ridin' for legendary fame
And our money's all gone but they still ride the same
Our hearts are gettin' broke
And our heads are gettin' busted
We'll always believe in the things that we trusted
They'll be those nights when glory comes round
And we'll tip our hats and wave to the crowd
And I'll ride that pony fast
Like a cowboy from the past
Be young and wild and free
Like Texas in 1880
Just like Texas in 1880
Someday when you're older someone'll see
That buckle hangin' there on your belt
Askin' just how it felt
And I'll ride that pony fast
Like a cowboy from the past
Be young and wild and free
Like Texas in 1880
Just like Texas in 1880
Just like Texas
Take me home to Texas
Play it just like Texas
No no no
No no no
Play it just like Texas
Yeah…yeah yeah!
I opened my eyes and saw that the entire room was filled with Autobots. I felt my face heat up with embarrassment, my cooling fans kicking on high. I hadn't realized that they came in the room. I stared at the ground, glancing up every now and then.
"That was just awesome! What were you doing with your hands?" Miko asked.
"That, my friend, is called sign language. I learned that when I was an infant, and I grew up with it all my life. I assume everyone hasn't heard my story about how I ended up with the Autobots?" I directed the last part at the large group. Most of them shook their helm, indicating that they hadn't heard about me. It took me a good 15, 20 minutes to tell the story, but when I finished, most of the Autobots had a shocked expression on their faces. I answered simple questions that most of them had, and they slowly left the room, some by themselves and others in small groups of 3 or 4. When everyone except for Ketos, Orion, Jack, Raf, and Miko had left, Miko tapped my servo, which had been resting near her.
"Yes Miko?" I said, turning my helm to look at her.
"Where are your parents?" she asked innocently. I froze instantly, feeling the sadness wash over me. I hadn't seen my parents since that awful day nearly four years ago.
"Miko…" Orion said sternly when he saw me freeze. I waved him off.
"It's fine Optimus. She is merely curious," I said softly. "The last time I saw them was nearly four years ago. I'm pretty sure they are alright, but it causes me a lot of pain to not be able to tell them what happened to me. Part of that is because my parents are civilians, although my mom is an Air Force veteran. I would love to see them again however. I know they would accept me for the way I am now, and that I can't be around as much anymore. I have a feeling that they probably think I am dead now because I have been gone for a long time."
"I'm sorry. I can understand how you feel, Hera," Miko said sadly, putting her hand on top of my much larger hand. "I haven't seen my real parents in a few years. I'm a transfer student from China. But I know that they are always with me in my heart, no matter where I live."
"Thanks Miko," I said, transforming into my human form and giving her a hug. Orion then cleared his throat. Miko and I both turned to look at him.
"Hera… I have an idea. What if your parents came here as the kids' liaison? I don't like the current one we have right now, mostly because he is a self-centered egotistical afthead. I think your parents would be better suited as the kids' liaison. I'll run it by General Morshower and Colonel Lennox."
I looked at him with shock. The kids looked at me, waiting to see what I would say. I opened and closed my mouth several times as I struggled to form a coherent thought.
"I think that sounds like a wonderful idea," I finally answered. "My parents can be trusted with this type of stuff. And seeing how my dad has secret clearance from work and that my mom is a former military veteran, they probably will have all the qualifications needed. Problem though- how are we going to introduce them to the team and Galloway? And how are we going to find them?"
"I will handle that. You just worry about figuring out where your parents will stay on base. I will let you know when Morshower and Lennox reaches a decision," Orion replied. With that, he left the room.
"You guys want to help me out?" I asked, turning to the kids. They all grinned and gave me a thumbs-up. I grinned back as I put my hands on the railing. I looked down, judging the distance between the railing and the floor. Stepping back a few feet, I took a deep breath and ran at the railing. As soon as I felt my feet leave the catwalk, I activated my transformation sequence. As I floated through the air, I felt my parts fly out of my subspace, shifting and clicking into place. I landed on my pedes without a single sound, stood up and turned around to the catwalk.
"You're a daredevil, Hera!" Miko cried. "That was just frickin' awesome!"
I laughed as I raised my hands to the railing. The kids climbed over the railing and sat down on my hands. I carried them through the base, looking for an ideal place.
"Is there a room near where yours is?" Raf asked.
"I believe you're right, Raf. Let's go look," I replied, heading off towards my room. Upon arriving, I lowered my hands so the kids could climb off. I transformed back into my human form, and walked into the door next to my room.
"Wow! I think this could work!" Miko exclaimed as we walked through the rooms.
"I think you're right, Miko. What do you think, Hera?" Jack asked.
I nodded my head. "I like this. And it's right next door to my room, which is an added bonus. Let's head to town and get some paint. This place could use some sprucing up." The rooms were bare gunmetal grey, matching the rest of the base. The kids cheered in agreement. I chuckled as I walked out of the room, and transformed into my BVSS. The kids stared at me in shock.
"Wow! Didn't realize just how totally rad you looked!" Raf exclaimed.
"Thanks, Raf. This is the first time I have actually transformed into this mode. Normally, I use my truck mode, but since we're going into town today, I figured you guys would like something a bit more fancier and roomier. Hop in!"
The kids piled in and I drove out to the long road leading to the gate. I knew that the road was about 20 miles, and that it was all straight and flat.
"Y'all may want to hang on something…" I said cryptically. Jack realized what I was talking about, and grabbed the 'oh scrap' handle. Miko did the same, and Raf just clung on to Jack. I smirked to myself, and took off like a rocket. They all screamed in alarm at first, then the screams turned into whoops and shrieks of excitement. I reached 300 mph in about 1/32 of a second, which was faster than what the car was designed for, but thanks to my new Cybertronian form, my alt. mode was able to handle the higher speeds and acceleration. It only took me about 3 minutes to reach the other end, and I slowed down quickly during the last mile.
"That… Was… INTENSE!" Jack and Raf hollered at the same time, still feeling the adrenaline rush.
"I agree. Woo! We have to do that again sometime soon," I replied, panting slightly.
"Can we do it on the way back?" Miko pleaded.
"Sorry Miko, but we'll have the paint in my trunk. I would rather not have one of the paint cans open and end up with a huge, and potentially embarrassing, mess to clean up. Did y'all realize I have a back seat?"
"Oh. No, I didn't…" Jack replied.
"It's okay. Miko, you'll have to get out of the driver's seat."
"Aww!" Miko moaned, but moved to the back seat.
"Y'all need to close your eyes for a few minutes. I'll let y'all know when it's okay to open them," I said. They nodded and covered their eyes. Concentrating, I made my human mode appear in the driver's seat. Wow, this is weird… I'm seeing through my human form, but I can still see through my alt. mode as well, I thought to myself as I blinked my eyes a few times. "All clear, guys. Y'all can uncover your eyes now."
"Woah… Is that a holoform?" Raf asked, obviously surprised.
"Not really. I can actually be in two alt. modes at the same time. I can use my human form with any of the vehicular modes. Unfortunately, I cannot use two vehicular modes at the same time," I replied, smiling at the shocked expressions on the kids' faces.
"Why can't you be in your truck and car at the same time?" Miko asked, confused.
"Too much energy. If I tried, I would fall into stasis lock for a month. Ratchet warned me about it when I told him I could be in my human form as well as one of my alt. modes."
"Ah. Makes sense. Are we close to the store?"
"We're just pulling in, Miko," I parked my alt. mode in a space. "Everyone out! Let's go get some paint and get ready to rumble!"
A few hours later, we had returned from the store with several gallons of paint, and all the painting supplies we needed. Right now, I was painting the walls of the bathroom. I had decided to paint it a creamy tan color and was planning on adding an autumn leaf wallpaper border along the top when the paint was dry enough. Jack and Raf were working in the dining room, while Miko and Aniketos were in the living room. Ketos had noticed us return from the store, and got curious as to what we were up to. Miko asked him if he wanted to help her, and he had agreed. Sighing, I poured the unused paint back into the can and closed the lid. Looking out the door, I had to smile at the sight before me. Ketos was standing next to the wall; stock still while Miko was standing on his back, painting.
"Looks good, Miko! The color was actually a good choice."
"Thanks!" She grinned widely, proud that she had helped me pick out the paint. I had allowed the kids to choose two colors that they thought would look good in each room, and after they had made their picks, I looked at them along with the ones I picked and chose the ones that would work. Miko had picked a really nice soft mint color for the living room, Raf had picked a pale yellow color for the dining room, and Jack had picked a nice sky-blue color for the bedroom. We finished painting the rooms an hour and half later.
"Today was a fun day! Now we have to wait until tomorrow to make sure the paint is dry enough for us to be able to start moving in furniture and stuff." I stood in the middle of the room, admiring the colors.
"What do you mean, start moving in furniture and stuff tomorrow?" Jack asked.
"While we were painting, I was shopping for furniture and other household items online. I went ahead and bought everything. They'll be here tomorrow around noon," I grinned.
"How did you manage to get them ordered so quickly?" Miko asked, shocked.
"Let's say I have my connections and leave it at that," I replied. I had called in a favor to General Morshower, explaining my situation and what I wanted to do. He got the stuff I had requested for on overnight shipping, and said that he would take care of the cost. I was very grateful, and was trying to come up with something for him as a thank-you gift.
"I'm going to see if Bulkhead wants to go dune-bashing. Want to come along, Hera?"
"Maybe tomorrow morning. I'm pretty tired, and I think I will go take an unscheduled nap. See y'all around," I replied, walking out into the hall and transforming back to my bipedal mode. I made my way to the rec room, and headed over to the energon dispenser. Picking up the cube, I opened it and took a long drink, emptying half of it. My knees creaked and groaned as I sat down in one of the chairs. I winced slightly at the pain that shot through them.
"Shouldn't have spent most of the day in my human mode," I grumbled to myself, taking another drink.
"May I ask why?" a voice replied. I looked to my left and saw Orion.
"Was painting my parents' new quarters. The kids helped me today, and we were able to paint everything. All we have to do is add some wall paper, move in the furniture, and it's ready," I answered; feeling very tired and wore out. I sighed softly, and moved my leg slightly. OUCH! That hurt like the Pit! I screamed out internally. Orion must have seen the pain in my eyes, because he came over to where I was sitting, and after glancing around him to make sure no one else was in the room, crouched in front of me.
"Are you okay?" he asked softly, worry edging its way into his voice. I wasn't sure of what to say, and just shook my helm.
"What is it?" he placed a comforting hand on mine.
"My knees are hurting a lot right now," I sighed softly. "It started last week. Normally, it doesn't bother me when I stay in my human mode all day, but lately I can't seem to do that. Today's the worst they have hurt."
"I'm taking you to the Med Bay. You need to see Ratchet now," he stood up. I nodded, agreeing with him. He took the now-empty cube from me and tossed it into the trashcan. Gently, he picked me up. I bit back the sharp cry of pain, and closed my eyes. He stood patiently as the pain started to subside. When the pain had passed, I opened my eyes again and rested my helm between his neck and shoulder. He slowly walked to the Med Bay, moving with so much grace that I almost could not believe it. Without really thinking, I gently nuzzled his neck. Moving his helm so that his cheek plate was now against my forehelm, he nuzzled me back. This caused me to start purring very softly, so softly that only Orion could hear me. A few seconds later, he started purring softly. His was much deeper and lower than mine, making me very sleepy. I was tempted to fall asleep, but we arrived at the Med Bay before I gave in to the temptation. Orion quit purring right as the Med Bay doors slid open and entered the room.
Ratchet stood at the computers, obviously working on something. He whirled around when Orion entered the room, servo raised with a Wrench O' Doom in his hand, ready to throw it. Lowering the wrench, he blinked in surprise at the sight of Orion carrying me in his servos.
"What happened?" Ratchet asked, having gotten over the initial surprise.
"She's in a lot of pain right now. Can you look at her?" Orion replied quietly.
"Sure. Set her down on the table."
Orion set me down, being very mindful about my knees. After he let me go, I started to extend my legs.
"Ahh!" I yelped as soon as I moved my leg. "F**k," I swore under my breath. Normally I don't use human curse words, but when I do, you know it's bad. Ratchet whirled around, stunned that I had used a human curse word.
"Did I just hear you say a human curse word?" Ratchet said as he walked over to me. I just nodded my helm. "Hurts that bad, huh?" I nodded again. "Where does it hurt the most?"
"My knees… They started bothering me early last week, but the pain was very little. It's gotten worse in the last day or two. Every time I sit down or stand, they make a lot of noise."
"When did they start making noises?"
"About two weeks ago. The noises started off really soft, but now it's very loud. At least, to me anyways."
"Optimus?"
"I started noticing the sounds last week. And yes, the sounds have gotten louder in the last day or two," Orion replied. "I knew something was wrong when I saw her sit down in the rec room, and I could see her wince slightly."
"All right. Hera, I'm going to disable the pain receptors in your knees now. Then I want you to extend your legs out so I can get a better look," Ratchet disabled the pain receptors around my knees. I let out a big sigh of relief as the pain stopped.
"That feels so much better. Ohhhh… That doesn't sound good at all," I winced at how loud my knees were protesting as I extended them. Orion and Ratchet both winced at the same time at the loud sounds. Ratchet pulled out his scanner, and ran it over my knees a few times. He then went over to the computer to look at the results further. He started to mutter to himself, and I knew that it was never a good thing when he started to mutter to himself about the results. Orion and I exchanged worried glances, and then looked at Ratchet. Ratchet stood up from the computer, and came back over, a grim expression on his face.
"Your knees are badly damaged. It looks like they were not very strong to begin with in the first place. Basically, if you keep walking on them like they are, they will give out completely. There's no telling when they will give out, so I recommend that you get them replaced now before any more damage occurs."
I pondered over what Ratchet had said. I knew he was right- if I kept walking around on my bad knees, they will give out completely. It was only a matter of time. I did not want to be in the middle of battle and have either one or both give out on me at the wrong time.
"All right," I nodded my helm. "When can you do the replacement?"
"I can do it right now if you like. You'll have to remain in the Med Bay for three days after the operation, and then you'll have to be in a wheelchair for two weeks afterwards."
"I understand. And yes, please go ahead and do the operation now," I agreed, lying down on the table. Ratchet walked into the storage room, and returned with most of the necessary supplies he needed.
"Optimus, I'm going to have to ask you to leave now. You can come by tomorrow morning when she's awake," Ratchet gently shooed Orion out. I quickly opened a private comm link with him.
:If the kids and Aniketos ask about where I am tomorrow morning, tell them I'm in the Med Bay. And, if they ask why, you can go ahead and explain to them what's going on.:
:I'll make sure they know, Julia. I hope the surgery goes smoothly.:
:Me too, Orion. I'll see you tomorrow morning.:
:See you then.:
I cut the comm link off, and turned my attention to Ratchet. He had finished gathering the supplies, and was smirking at me slightly.
"What?" I said.
"You like Optimus, don't you? Don't tell me you only like him as a friend. I can see right through that," He said smugly, crossing his servos over his chest.
"Heh… Yeah I do," I replied, rubbing the back of my neck, slightly embarrassed. "I think he likes me too, but I'm not too sure myself."
"Oh, he does. I've seen how you two interact with each other. It's pretty obvious to me that he's fallen for you. Why haven't you said anything to him yet?"
"I'm not the type to rush into a serious relationship. I'd rather just let things happen at a natural pace. My philosophy is to be friends first, then see where things go from there."
"Interesting philosophy. And a good one too," Ratchet picked up a tool and removed a panel of armor from my helm. "Ok, I'm going to shut down everything so you won't feel anything at all."
I felt him click a small internal switch in my helm, and then I started to feel hazy. Soon I slipped away into the darkness.
Heh... Poor Hera... I'm so evil. :) Y'all know the drill.
Until next time, this is JML Ranch transforming and rolling out!