I'm really sorry for starting this story a year ago and abandoning it for so long. I don't have any sort of excuse as to why I didn't update sooner. The truth is I shouldn't have posted the first chapter when I did. A year ago I was slowly losing all interest in the transformers fandom, TFA ended and everyone I made friends with moved on to other shows. And I was slowly moving on to other things as well. I started this fanfic just before I left, hoping maybe this could be the anchor that kept me from leaving, but after posting chapter one, I realized that this was not the case.

Fortunately, I did find my way back. I made new friend online who I met in a previous fandom, one day she decided to watch every single Transformers and just binge watched them one after the other. After TF: Prime had ended, she told me to go see it. I had nothing better to do, so I did, and my love for Transformers was re-ignited. I watched it all the way through and felt nostalgic for Animated. I got out my old DVDs and remembered why I loved Animated in the first place. I went through my old documents and found the story I had planned out for TFA Humans, and went through all the plot points and character arcs, and finally wrote chapter two :)

Again, I apologize for leaving the way I did, but I promise I'm back now and have every intention of updating regularly :3

Chapter Two – New Jobs, New Partners, New Enemies

Bulkhead let out an exhausted sigh as he emptied the last cardboard box. A week had passed since the entrance exams, and Bulkhead and Bumblebee had only now just moved into their new apartment complex, in the Alpha Centauri sector on Cybertron. It was a small, dingy, two bedroom flat with a living-room/kitchen, and one bathroom. But the rent was cheap, and it was only a few blocks away from the Ground Bridge terminal, so it was the perfect location for both Bulkhead and Bumblebee to get to their respective jobs.

Speaking of his best friend, Bumblebee had been unusually quiet today, currently outside on the square concrete balcony, sitting on the railing and gazing down at the city lights.

"Little buddy, that doesn't look very safe. Why don't you come in and look at our new home?" he asked, but got no response. "Bumblebee?"

"Huh?" Bumblebee turned around and blinked sluggishly. "You say something, big guy?"

Bulkhead grew increasingly concerned. "I was just curious if you liked our new home."

"Of course I do!" Bee exclaimed as jumping down from the railing. "Sure, the place could use a new coat of paint, but it's ours. Now we don't have to share a sink with four other guys."

Bumblebee put on his trademark grin and flopped down onto the faded, lumpy sofa. Bulkhead knew it was forced, but Bee's smile was contagious, and couldn't help himself from smiling right back.

"Yeah, all ours." He took the seat next to Bumblebee and breathed in the musky scent of their new flat. "I can't believe it's already been a week. We just finished moving in and now we start our first day at work tomorrow."

"Yeah," Bumblebee sighed heavily, leaning further into the material. "No turning back now."

"I'm so excited!" Bulkhead fidgeted. "I mean, I've been to the Ministry of Science before on school fieldtrips, but never as an employee. I can't wait to see everything and meet everyone. Just imagine the projects we'll be working on. Of course, I know we won't be doing anything major just yet, but to actually work alongside the scientists who built this city? It's an honour. I especially can't wait to meet Professor Sumdac, he's head of the robotic department and practically invited most of the automatons on the market-…"

Bumblebee frowned and drowned out Bulkhead's gushing as he stared out the window again, suddenly feeling very melancholy. Bulkhead had just finished explaining the inner workings of microbots when he noticed Bumblebee hadn't interrupted him at any point.

"I'm sorry, little buddy" Bulkhead mumbled. "I didn't mean to ramble. And I know you don't wanna talk about what happened. It wasn't fair what that Sentinel guy did. Especially what you did last year, helping the police catch that-"

"I'm fine, Bulk!" Bee snapped. Bulkhead flinched and ducked his head.

Bumblebee didn't mean to lose his temper, he really didn't, but this week had taken its toll and him, and he really needed to let off some steam. As much as Captain's Fanzone "little pet talk" helped Bumblebee feel better about his current predicament, that didn't mean he still didn't feel bitter about the whole thing. He had been humiliated in front of an entire hall of recruits, all of which probably thought he had been sent to juvie or something, and worse, Sentinel wouldn't even let him explain himself.

Which lead to his second problem, Bee still couldn't get through to Longarm. Where was he? Every time he rang, the call would go straight to Cliffjumper's office, who was growing increasingly irritated by the youth's daily calls, and kept telling him, no he still could not get in touch with Longarm Prime, and yes, he'll be sure to send on the message once Longarm returned.

Where could he possibly been on Cybertron where he couldn't access a phone?

Bumblebee picked up one of the beaten cushions and smothered himself with it, screaming into the fabric.

"I'm sorry I brought it up." Bulkhead patted him on the back

"No, I'm sorry big guy." He mumbled, throwing the cushion aside. "You have every right to be excited. You made it buddy. You're a fully qualified technician. We should be out celebrating, not sitting here staring at the wall."

"Bee we have to be up early tomorrow." Bulkhead reminded him, but the offer was tempting.

"I know." Bumblebee climbed to his feet and ran over to the kitchen area. Opening their newly stocked fridge, Bumblebee pulled out two chilled bottles of bear and tossed one over to Bulkhead, who caught it effortlessly twisted the cap off.

"To Bulkhead!" He cheered, wrestling with the bottle opener. "Trainee assistant today and future top scientist on Cybertron."

"And to Bumblebee," Bulkhead grinned, lifting his own bottle. "Junior Police Officer and future Elite Guard."

The two laughed and clinked bottles before drowning them.

They cooked up a banquet of cheap instant noodles, played some Ninja Gladiator, and watched old movies with another round of drinks, before deciding they needed to go to bed early that night and went to their respective rooms. Neither of them could sleep though, but for two different reasons.

Bulkhead tossed and turned in his sheets, filled to the brim with excitement by what tomorrow's adventure would bring him. Bumblebee however was lost in thought as he sat on his windowsill, looking up at the starlit sky. He thought back to his family and the promise he made to his mother before leaving home to enrol in the Academy.

"I'll show him," he vowed. "I'll show everyone I'm more than just some punk off the streets. I'll become an Elite Guard and prove them all wrong. Just watch me."

He eventually drifted off to sleep, heading resting in his folded arms.

The next morning both boys were up, frantically running around the apartment. Bulkhead, despite organizing his textbooks at least three times last night, was panicking over a document he couldn't find in his folder, whereas Bumblebee was still trying to put on the black and white uniform he wore to the entrance exam, not understanding why he could only get one arm in through his jacket.

"I can't believe we're going to be late on our first day of work," Bulkhead fretted, finally finding the correct document in one of his data pads, then shoving said data pad into his folder before slinging the bag over his shoulder. "I can't believe we overslept!"

"Tired. Need. Coffee." Bumblebee yawned, looking for his other boot.

"We don't have time for coffee, Bee! We gotta go!"

Bulkhead threw Bumblebee his backpack, hitting the shorter man in the back of the head and sending him tumbling to the floor, where he just happened to spot his left boot.

"Can't we at least make some toast?" he whined, tugging on his other boot.

"You can eat when we get to the station."

Bulkhead stomped over to the fallen blond and picked him up by the back of his shirt. He helped Bumblebee put on his jacket and bag, before hauling him out the front door. The two didn't wait for the elevator, choosing to instead run down eight flights of stairs, rushing past other tenants on their way down. They tumbled out of the front lobby and ran down the streets towards the terminal, bickering the entire way.

Outside of the Department of Science, a young woman in a black and yellow outfit, with mint green highlights, sat outside of a nearby café, nursing a cup of coffee as she scanned through her data pad. She blew a strand of blonde hair from her brown face, oblivious to the man in red and blue, walking towards her.

"Attentive as ever, Elita."

Elita dropped her data pad and sprung to her feet, turning the face the bronze skinned man.

"Optimus!" They embraced. "It's been ages since we last got together. How has work been treating you? I can't wait to tell you all about the new species we've been allowed to research. Let me buy you a drink."

She offered a chair and Optimus, who politely accepted as he was but all manhandled into the seat. Optimus was around her age, though the speckles of grey running through his brown hair often caused people to think he was older than he actually was.

"Slow down, Elita." He laughed, tugging down his jacket. "It's good to see you too, but shouldn't we wait for Sentinel first before sharing stories."

"You snooze you lose," she waved off. "Besides, I'm too excited to keep this to myself. Botanica is letting me lead the project on Archa Seven. You've never seen a spider this size before, Optimus. I'm already in the middle of writing a paper about it. Can you imagine what this could do for my career if I were to get it published?"

"I can imagine," he beamed, resting his hand over hers. "I'm really happy for you Elita."

She smiled back, but then saw the emblem on her friend's jacket, then her smile spread into a full toothed grin.

"Optimus why didn't you tell me you got promoted to Prime?"

Optimus covered the red badge with his hand and sheepishly turned his face away. "I didn't want to rain on your parade," he mumbled.

"As if you could." She rolled her eyes and reached out to turn his face towards her. "Still, this is big news Optimus, you're now a Prime."

"And about time." Optimus and Elita turned around, spotting Sentinel walking towards them with a tray of drinks in hand. "Took you long enough too."

"Be nice, Sentinel," she warned.

"He knows I'm just teasing," Optimus rolled his eyes but didn't say anything as Sentinel passed them their drinks and took the vacant chair next to him.

"Still, this is big news." Elita beamed. "We finally did it. All three of us, Primes. Just like we promised back at the academy."

"And to think, Kup never thought we'd even graduate."

"Considering the amount of trouble you two got into, I can't say I blame him," Optimus chuckled.

"Don't act so high and mighty," Sentinel lightly jabbed Optimus in the ribs. "It's not our fault you don't know the meaning of fun, Mr Archives."

"No, I just don't like the idea of getting expelled."

"Optimus has a point, Sentinel. Kup probably only graduated us so he didn't have to see us in class again," Elita laughed.

"No wonder he retired after teaching us."

The three joked back and forth, sharing storied about their old dorm years and their current professions.

"You wouldn't believe the glitches I had to sort this year," Sentinel groaned. "I can't believe how many of them made it into the final ranking for Elite Guard. I swear to Primus, Ultra Magnus is going soft."

"I don't know Sentinel. From what I hear we got a pretty good batch of youths for the Fire Department this year. I'll even be training them."

"So that's why they promoted you."

Elita checked her watch.

"Come on guys, I have to get back to the lab to pick up a few things before we head off. You two might as well come to the unveiling. Professor Sumdac is going to show off his newest line of mini-cons to the public."

"Not much of an unveiling if you already told us what it is," said Sentinel.

The three drowned the rest of the drinks and walked towards the Department of Science.

Bumblebee and Bulkhead stumbled through the automatic doors, heaving as they collapsed against the nearest wall.

"See, told you we'd make it," Bee gasped as he sucked in much needed air.

"Just barely," Bulkhead panted. "We still need to find our ground bridges."

"Right," Bumblebee got to his feet and trudged over to the notice board.

The board was filled with twelve different colours lines running randomly all across the city, with various station names on each dot.

"Well, the Science Department is in the Kappa Leonis section, so it looks like you're taking the black rail line."

"And Gamma Serpentis is the Yellow line," said Bulkhead. "Speaking of which, looks like your tram is arriving."

Bulkhead pointed to the platform below them where a blue light erupted and a metal tram passed through the portal.

"Gotta go, Bulkhead," Bumblebee shouted as he ran towards his station. "Let me know how it goes!"

"You too, little buddy!" Bulkhead waved before jogging off to his own platform.

The doors to the tram opened and Bumblebee spotted a small group of young people in the same black and white uniform as himself boarding the tram. Thinking quickly, Bumblebee jumped over the barrier and legged it, catching the door with his hand before it had a chance to close in his face.

"Made it!" he exclaimed as he pried the shutters open and slipped inside. All the chairs were taken, so Bumblebee collapsed against the closed door.

"Cutting close there weren't you?"

Bumblebee looked up and spotted a young man around his age and height with dark skin. He recognized the face from the induction day with Fanzone and the other officers but couldn't quite place his name.

"I like living on the edge," Bumblebee waved off. "I remember you. We didn't have a chance to talk though at the induction."

"Yeah, name's Hot Shot," he winked

"Nice to meet ya. Name's Bumblebee." He offered his hand and they shook.

"I know," Hot Shot grinned. "You were number 10 in the Elite ranking."

Bumblebee froze and pulled his hand back. "You know about that?"

"I was there," said Hot Shot. "But I only ranked 13, which sucks, but I can't imagine what it was like for you to make it all the way to the top ten and still not make it. You clearly earned that spot."

"Yeah," Bumblebee trailed off, suddenly wanting nothing more than to force the doors open again and jump out.

The tram jerked and the two bumped into each other as everyone turned towards the tracks where a portal of electric blue light flashed before their eyes. The tram passed through and Bumblebee felt his hair stand on end as the air crackled around them. They were transported to another part of Cybertron and emerged on the other side of the portal, finding themselves in the Emergency services centre of the Gamma Serpentis sector. The doors opened and everyone departed.

Bumblebee stuck close to Hot Shot and the others as they made their way out of the smaller station and walked down the path that led them to the Cybertron Police Defense Command. They had been given a tour of the facility prior, so there was no confusion as they made their way to the building complex and entered through the front doors.

"All junior officers, fall in!" Fanzone's voice boomed from the other side of the room.

Bumblebee, Hotshot and the rest of the cadets ran towards the Chief and another officer, and all stood at attention in line.

"As you all remember, I am your Chief, Captain Fanzone, and this is my partner, Officer Depth Charge." He motioned to the stocky officer with a slight tan and permanent frown across his face. "He will be your commanding officer while you are here. Any problems, you go straight to his office or ring him up on his work line."

"Yes, sir!" they saluted.

Fanzone nodded with slight approval and turned to his Depth Charge. "I'll get the senior officers together once they show up for their morning rounds. In the meantime, I leave these young ones in your capable hands."

Depth Charge nodded and Fanzone left to perform his daily rounds. Depth Charge then snapped towards his charges and his eyes narrowed with disdain.

"Listen up, rookies," he hissed. "I don't put up with smart mouthing and lazy-ing about in this office. You're now fully recognized junior officers, so you better start living up to that badge or I won't hesitate is taking it back and throwing your sorry asses onto the curb."

"Geez, what climbed up his hole and died," Bumblebee whispered into Hot Shot's ear.

"Probably the remains of his charming personality," he snickered.

"You two got something you want to share with the rest of the class!" Depth Charge shouted in their faces

"Depth Charge sir, no sir!" they stammered.

"If you two clowns think Fanzone is hard, then you're in for a big disappointment," he growled. "I make him look like a kitten in comparison, so you two better stop yapping your mouths and start listening or I'll have you both filing out the evidence archives until you're as old as I am."

They gulped.

"Now, your uniforms have finally arrived, so let's get you boys and girls suited up."

With a snap of his heels he turned around and escorted them into the back room where piles of freshly delivered boxes were waiting for them. They stood in line as Depth Charge handed out each article of clothing, with their names printed into the fabric. Bumblebee eagerly took his and went to the male changing rooms. He and the other boys pulled on their black thermals, trousers, and boots. Then helped each other work out how to apply their yellowed padded armour plates. Bumblebee made sure to observe himself in the full length mirror, grinning at his own reflection. Yellow had always been his favourite colour and he thought he looked really nice in his jacket and badge (although, he did wonder if anyone would noticed if he traded in his pair of boots for his trademark wheelies.).

Depth Charge then practically dragged them out of the changing rooms and back into the hallway, putting down another set of boxes.

"You'll notice you're wearing black and yellow, instead of the gold and yellow uniforms like the senior officers," he explained as he tore open the cardboard container. "And unlike the senior officers, you'll also be given these."

He pulled out an unusual pair of black gloves with pieces of metal around the cuffs.

"They may seem bulky, but these little beauties might just save your lives one day." He slipped on a single glove and flexed his fingers and slapped his hand over the glove, just above his pulse. The metal parts started to whiz and unfold into a sharp cone like structure that surrounded his hand, emitting a low pulse of static. "These, boys and girls, electroshock guns, or as well like to call them, stingers."

Bumblebee shifted eagerly from one foot to the other, wanting to try them out for himself. He shared a look with Hot Shot, who was just as eager to try one on as he was.

"Now before any of you get excited, these are not toys," he snapped. "While not capable of killing a person, they are powerful enough to bring down a man of my stature, so don't even think about practicing on each other. It's a privilege to be given one of these, so I expect you to only ever use these only in emergencies. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes sir, Depth Charge."

Depth Charged nodded and started handing them out. Bumblebee admired the gloves as they were practically made for him. He slapped his wrists together and couldn't suppress a grin as two stingers sprung out.

"Sweet!"

"Now this is what I'm talking about!" Hot Shot whooped, accidentally setting off some static at another recruit in the process.

Depth Charge glared hatefully down at them and Bumblebee and Hot Shot quickly turned the stingers off again. They were eventually lead back into the main room where Fanzone had gathered the senior officers around his desk.

"Not half bad," Fanzone mused as he inspected them over. Bumblebee couldn't help but pop his jacket, feeling way too confident to care whether anyone thought he was vain or not. "Now, each junior officer is paired up with a senior officer. They'll look out for you and teach you as you go along, so listen to everything they have to say and learn to adapt. They're not here to babysit you. They rely on you watching their back, just as much as they are for you."

The group of senior men and women took in each of the new recruits, all grinning slyly as the fresh meat before him. No doubt already taking bets on who was going to mess up first or break protocol.

"Now, Hot Shot you're with Cheetor."

A tall pale blonde, towering over the other officer stepped forward and walked over to Hot Shot.

"Think you can keep up with me, kid," he flashed a sharp tooth grin.

"I don't know, can you?" the kid jabbed right back.

Cheetor's grin spread. They were gonna get along just fine.

Fanzone continued reading through his list, pairing them off one by until he reached the last three names. "Jackpot meet, Hubcap, Furão you'll be partnered up with Stungun, and Bumblebee you're with Prowl."

A short square-chinned blonde man shook hands Jackpot, and a taller, darker skinned youth walked over to Furão. Bumblebee eagerly scanned the remaining officers for his partner but none of them stepped forward to greet Bumblebee.

"Prowl?" repeated Fanzone, looking up from his sheet. "Alright, where's Prowl?"

The front door was kicked open and a thin man in leather, wearing a motorcycle helmet dragged in a angry, and clearly drunk, middle-aged man in stasis cuffs.

"You're cutting off my circulation you damn cop." He man spat, trying to kick at the officer ankles.

"Then stop struggling," the officer advised, side stepping the kick and shoving him face down on the reception desk.

"Drunk driver," he explained in an even tone. "Caught speeding and endangering the lives of another driver, and two civilians. No causalities though. I want him detained for questioning once he sobers up."

"Of course," said the receptionist, typing into their computer, no doubt used to seeing this kind of action every morning before coffee.

The officer nodded respectfully and allowed two guards to escort the man into the detention area. With his hands now free the officer unstrapped his helmet and took it off, revealing a dark skinned man with raven black hair and a goatee.

Bumblebee awed at how cool the guy was.

"Prowl you're late!" Shouted Fanzone from his desk.

"Apologizes Chief," the man said courteously, walking over to his superior. "I was detained on my way to work."

"Well, you're just in time to meet your new partner. Say hello to Bumblebee." He jerked his thumb over his shoulder and Bumblebee eagerly stepped forward, offering the officer his hand.

"Nice to meet ya!"

Prowl stared down at the appendage with disdain, and ignored him as he talked to Fanzone over the youth's head. Bumblebee snatched his hand back and took an instant disliking towards him.

"Chief we've been over this, I don't do well in teams-"

"And I don't wanna hear it Prowl," Fanzone snapped. "Every officer on the force works as a unit and you're no exception. Even Cheetor has a partner and this is the second one he's been through this month!"

Hot Shot flinched and nervously looked at his partner, who bashfully rubbed the back of his head.

"Nothing major, he'll be back on his feet once he's discharged from the hospital."

That did nothing to sooth his fears.

"He'll only be a liability to me," he sniffed. "I can't be responsible for a child."

"Child?" Bumblebee gaped. "Well, old man, maybe I don't want to work with a stuck up elitist like you!"

Up close Prowl wasn't nearly as tall as he looked up close, but he was still a few inches taller than Bumblebee.

"I wouldn't advise getting in matters that are way over your head, child. You are young, inexperienced, and you'll only get in my way."

"Why you son of a-"

"Alright enough!" Fanzone broke them up.

He pointed to Bumblebee. "You zip it. You haven't even been here a full five minutes and already you're pushing your luck."

He turned to Prowl.

"And you, Prowl. This isn't up for debate. You've been going solo for far too long. Now suck it up before I put both of you both on traffic control for a month."

Prowl scowled but kept his mouth shut, choosing instead to glare at Bumblebee, like an inconvenient bug that wouldn't stop buzzing around him. "Fine."

"Fine", Bee huffed.

Fanzone let out a tired sigh and turned to other officers who had up to this point been perfectly quiet as they watched to potential fight unfold.

"And don't you lazy lot have assignments you should be doing? Get out there and protect the public!" Everyone jumped out of their stupor and dispersed, the senior officers directing the junior officers to their respective work places.

Prowl looked Bumblebee up and down before abruptly turning on his heels and heading for the front desk for their assignment. He took the data pad and a pair of keys for a squad car, and walked out the building with Bumblebee on his heels. They walked across the carpark to where the squad cars were kept and Prowl headed towards the one with the matching number on the key ring.

"Get in," he ordered, opening the driver's door and climbing in. Bumblebee cursed under his breath but grudgingly crawled into the passenger seat.

"So, where we going, partner."

Prowl passed the data pad to Bumblebee.

"Kappa Leonis, Ministry of Science, North West section of Cybertron." Prowl answered, turning the engine on. "Simple patrol work. There is a funfair taking place today so we are present simply to make sure no one causes a scene. Nothing too strenuous for you."

Bumblebee couldn't help be feel a tad bit disappointed by their assignment. Nowhere near as exciting as he thought it would be. Certainly nothing exciting enough that would grant him permission to use his stingers. Still, Bulkhead was currently at the Science Lab, which meant there was a high chance they could meet up and ditch not-so-tall, dark and moody, grab some food and enjoy the fair.

"Sounds good to me," Bee said, putting on his best smile and putting his feet up on the dashboard.

Prowl raised an unimpressed eyebrow behind his shades but didn't say anything, knocking Bee's boots of the plastic and focussed on getting them to the other side of the city.

This was gonna be a long day…

"And here is where the prototypes are tested," said Mainframe, Perceptor's software specialist. "At the moment you won't be expected to do anything too complicated. Simply recording data and reporting back to your head of departments. As you are slowly exposed to more work you'll be handed more responsibilities."

The young group of researchers awed at the technology, Bulkhead, dressed in his new lab uniform, was greedily drinking in everything and asking Mainframe plenty of questions. The Science Lab exceeded all his previous expectations. All the machinery was state of the art, the creativity was contagious and couldn't wait to start his own personal projects.

Bulkhead wasn't the only one excited though, Glyph, Cosmos, and Primacron were darting back and forth, asking as many questions as they could about their respective fields. They were escorted to another room where they were divided into smaller groups and brought to the different departments. Bulkhead appeared to be the only one working in robotics, so he was ecstatic to know he would be Professor Sumdac's only assistant.

"You must be Bulkhead," Sumdac said as he shook the larger hand. "I'm professor Sumdac."

"H-hello professor," he stammered. "I'm a really big fan of your work. I actually wrote a paper on your robotics systems for my final project."

"I'm very flattered," the short man smiled. "Although robotics is a truly fascinating subject, I often find that people tend to not care for the finer details. You must have studied the schematics in great detail to understand them."

"I had a lot of free time to read your essays on the energon farms," Bulkhead admitted.

Sumdac smiled fondly, remembering his own youth as a farmer's son, spending his nights working on his inventions.

"I think you and I are going to get along swimmingly Bulkhead," he laughed. "In fact, I think you might actually appreciate my latest inventions on a deeper level then my own investors."

"I would be honoured, sir," said Bulkhead.

"Excellent," he clapped his hands. "Although I'm afraid you'll have to wait for the unveiling like everyone else. I promise it will be worth the wait, then I can't wait to hear your own evaluation on them."

"Dad!" cried a small girl with a robot dog running towards them. "Are you finished yet, the fair has already started!"

"My apologies, Sari," said Professor Sumdac. "But I'm afraid I still have much to do before the unveiling."

The mechanical dog run around them in circles, happily barking as it tugged on Bulkhead's trouser leg.

"But dad, we're missing the opening ceremony! And my science project is acting all funny again. I need to get it fixed before the judges show up."

"Not again," sighed professor Sumdac.

"I could take a look at it," offered Bulkhead.

Sari turned to the lumbering giant, noticing him for the first time, and grinned brightly. "Really!"

He blushed and sheepishly wrung his fingers together. "Well, I mean, if professor Sumdac is still busy making preparations, I could always take a look at your project for you."

Professor Sumdac considered the offer and nodded in agreement

"I don't see why not. Today is just to get you young researchers used to the facilities and environment. The really work won't start until tomorrow, so what better way to take everything then exploring the grounds for yourself."

"Thanks dad," Sari hugged her father tightly. "You're the best."

"I expect you to take good care of my assistant," he patted her on the head.

"You mean second assistant," she grinned.

"Yes, of course, how could I forgot my number one assistant," he laughed. "Have fun you two."

Sari gripped Bulkhead tightly around the wrist and she and Sparkplug dragged him along.

"W-wait-!"

"We'll see you at the unveiling, dad!"

Sumdac laughed as the two disappeared out of his office and towards the exit, where a large crowd of people were talking and bustling about, excited about this year's festival.

"Wow, this place sure is packed," Bumblebee awed at all the stands and large groups of people talking excited about the various science projects and new inventions.

"Indeed," groaned Prowl. "We will have to remain alert while we are here. Keep a watch out for pickpockets or anyone else that looks suspicious."

"Way ahead of you," said Bumblebee. "And I think I see someone suspicious hanging around the food court."

Prowl grabbed Bumblebee by the back of his jacket before he could run off into the crowd.

"We are not here to have fun," he growled. "We are merely here to keep the peace."

"Who says we can't do both?" he sniffed.

Prowl was about to give his partner a lecture when he caught a flash of maroon out of the corner of his eye. Turning around Prowl's eyes narrowed further and he grit his teeth at the sight of a pointy chinned, black haired man in a maroon suit and tie skulking around from the shadows.

"Him..."

"Him who?" asked Bumblebee, trying to see whatever it was that caught Prowl's eye.

"Follow me," he ordered. "Keep quiet and just observe."

Bumblebee wanted to tell Prowl where he could shove his orders, but the man was already on the move, making a bee line for the maroon suit man.

"Enjoying yourself, Starscream."

The man froze where he stood at the stall he was at, slowly turning around a smiling with amusement and false sincerity at the officer.

"Officer Prowl," he practically purred, and Bee felt a cold chill run down his spine at the voice. "How wonderful for the Police to grace us with their presence…And who is this?"

He caught sight of Bumblebee and the youth tried not to fidget uneasily as those beady eyes locked on him, that smile morphing into a shark tooth grin.

"Bumblebee," he answered strongly. "I'm Prowl's partner."

"For the time being," Prowl added.

Bee scowled and Starscream's eyes beamed as he took in every detail of Bumblebee's frame, trying to add it all to memory.

"I'll be sure to keep note of that," he said. "Bumblebee, a fine name for a young officer."

"Wondering the fair by yourself?" asked Prowl, dragging the conversation back on track.

Starscream reluctantly tore his eyes away from Bumblebee and gave the senior officer his full attention.

"Well, I was scientist myself, until I transferred into business," he shrugged. "I do like to keep track of my old social circles."

"That's not the only thing you keep track of though, is it?" Prowl hissed.

Starscream paused and gazed down at the officer with new-found amusement.

"Still on about that?" he chuckled. "My dear officer, that was ages ago, and as I'm sure you remember, I was cleared of all charges."

"And the time before that as well."

Starscream shrugged. "I do have an unfortunate habit at being in the wrong place at the wrong time."

He opened his mouth to continue but pressed his lips together and scowled at something beyond Prowl's shoulder. Bumblebee turned around and spotted a middle-aged man in a three-piece suit making his way towards them.

"You'll have to excuse me, officers, but duty calls." Starscream nodded politely and brushed right past Prowl, pausing in front of Bumblebee, long enough to reach into his inside pocket, pull out a mini data pad and flash it in the young officer's face. "A pleasure meeting you."

He strode across the field, effortlessly making his way through the crowd to meet the older man who was now talking to him quite rapidly and bluntly.

"What was that about?" asked Bee, still blinking dots out of his eyes.

"Starscream just took your picture," said Prowl bluntly.

"Yeah, I know that, but why?"

"He's just adding you to his list," Prowl explained. "Starscream makes it his business to know everything that goes on in Cybertron. He keeps tabs on just about everyone in the city. You're new so it fascinated him."

Prowl shrug nonchalant, while Bumblebee gaped at him, suddenly feeling very violated. He wanted nothing more than to chase after the creep and give him a piece of his mind, however his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of an explosion.

"What was that?!" he spun around, spotting a smoke cloud in the distance.

"Move!" Prowl ordered as he ran towards the commotion people were running away from.

They ran through the crowd, around the stands and raced towards the rising smoke cloud overheard. They jumped over the tables and through tents until they emerged on the other side, where a broken pile of machinery at the school science fair.

"Whoops," said the little girl in front of the stall. "My bad."

"Don't worry, I can fix it," said the large man beside her, holding up a charred piece of circuitry. "At least, I hope I can."

"Bulkhead?"

The two craned their heads, spotting the two officers running towards him.

"Bumblebee, what are you doing here?"

"Working," Bumblebee grinned, showing off his badge. "But more importantly, what are you doing? I thought you were supposed to be working in some big fancy lab, not supervising a school science fair."

"I was, I'm just helping Sari with her project," he motioned to the remains of said project. "It's a miniature solar panel meant to convert energy and turn on this light bulb."

"Solar panel, classic," Bee grinned. "I used a wind turbine for mine."

"Why didn't I think of that," Sari sighed. "Lot less hassle."

"I hate to interrupt," Prowl groaned from a distance. "But is everyone alright?"

"Oh, yes officer," Bulkhead answered politely. "We just sort of got carried away, but I can fix it with just a bit of tweaking."

"Need a hand?" Bee asked, completely ignoring Prowl who was eager to get back to patrolling now that there was no reason to panic.

"Sure, hold this," Sari passed his a few wires to hold. "I just need to solder these back in place. I must have gotten them mixed around. No wonder it blew up in my face. I'm Sari by the way."

"Sorry for what?" he asked. "It's not like anyone got hurt."

"No, I mean my name is Sari."

"Oh! Nice to meet you, Sari. I'm Bumblebee, Mr. Grump over there is, Prowl, and I'm guessing you already met my buddy, Bulkhead."

Prowl snorted and stalked away, mumbling something about not having time for this nonsense.

Sari nodded. "Uh huh, he's my dad's second assistant. After me of course."

"Ok, I think I solved the problem this time," said Bulkhead as he set up the panels. "Ready to try this again?"

"Read!" said Sari, pulling on a pair of plastic goggles this time. Bumblebee tried to find something to protect himself with, and pulled down the visor of his helmet. Bulkhead flipped the switch but nothing happened, the panels were still and the light bulb didn't so much as flicker. Sari scowled and kicked the table with her foot. The bulb flickered and lit up brightly.

"It works!" Bee beamed.

"Thank you, Bulkhead!" Sari hugged her new friend around the middle and Bulkhead smiled bashfully.

"It's not that hard, really."

"Maybe not to you egg-head," Bumblebee shoved his friend lightly in the rib. "You really saved the day."

Prowl stood at a distance, tapping his foot irritably as the three chattered excitedly. He was half tempted to abandon Bumblebee and pick him up after the shift had ended, but the last thing he needed was Fanzone breathing down his neck about ditching his partner while on duty.

"Officer Prowl."

Prowl knew that voice anywhere and braced himself as he grudgingly turned around to face a man taller than himself, dressed in red and blue.

"Enjoying the festivities?" asked Optimus

"Optimus Prime," he greeted stiffly, eyes flickering to the emblem now adorning the man jacket. "All appears to be serene for the moment."

"I see you have a new partner," he nodded over at Bumblebee who was showing off his stingers to Bulkhead and Sari, who awed at them and wanted to see him fire at something.

"Temporary I assure you." Prowl drolled. "I never knew you cared for this particular kind of field." Prowl motioned to the science fair around them.

"No, you're right," Optimus laughed. "While I find all this fascinating, it's not quite my cup of tea. I'm just here with Sentinel until Elita finishes collecting her work from upstairs."

Prowl nodded, catching sight of the Elite Guard member, Sentinel browsing through the isle, not really taking an interest in anything he was seeing.

Their conversation was cut short by a loud announcement from the speakers overhead.

"Ladies and gentlemen if would please make your way to the podium in sector 3, we will start the unveiling."

"That's my dad!" Sari exclaimed, grabbing Bulkhead and Bumblebee by the arm and dragging them towards the front of the building. "Come on guys, you're gonna love this!"

"Mind the jacket," Bumblebee laughed, moving to pick Sari up by the waist and placing her over his shoulders. "Come on, Bulkhead, race ya!"

"No fair, Bumblebee, you always win!"

"I suppose we should follow them, before you lose him." Said Optimus as the three disappeared into the crowd.

"Less than an hour and already I'm considering getting him a leash."

Optimus laughed and went to collect Sentinel so the three could walk there together. Prowl allowed the two accompany him, only because he had valid reason to decline. They made small talk as they followed the crowd, with Sentinel doing most of the talking for Prowl and Optimus.

It wasn't hard to spot the podium in front of the Lab entrance, where a concrete and metal art structure of an atom towered over them. They lost sight of Bumblebee, Bulkhead and Sari, who had rushed to the front before it was blocked off by a large mass of bodies. Hovering further back, Prowl craned his neck to try and spot a red haired girl on someone's shoulders but couldn't see anything. He did however spot Starscream and the man in the grey suit, Megatron, making their way up the steps to sit with various other scientists, including Wheejack and Botanica.

Isaac Sumdac made his way onto the platform from a side ladder. He spotted Megatron and avoided all eye contact, knowing the businessman was still sore about their last conversation in regards to his personal project. Instead he ignored the burning sensation in the back of his head and focused on the large group of spectators, easily seeing Sari in the front row, sitting on the shoulders of a police officer and standing next to Bulkhead. He didn't have time to question why she was with a police officer, but waved at her and she shouted something into the officer ear as she waved back.

"Thank you to each and every one of you who showed up here today," he said into the microphone. "Fellow scientists, inventors and curious minds. I am honoured to be in the presence of such imaginative and hardworking guests, both young and old. We will begin the events shortly, first however I would like to thank the representatives here today, Wheeljack and Botanica, and of course a special thanks to our benefactor's whose contribution has been the foundation to make all you see here today possible, Megatron."

There was a round of applause. Wheeljack and Botanica waved back politely, discussing amongst themselves, while Megatron sat high in his chair with one leg crossed the other, only offering a slight nod of the head. Starscream however paid no heed and was typing away in his data pad, like a bored teenager.

"Now, to begin this lustrous event, allow me to present, the Crimson Angels!"

Six jets flew overhead, trailing colourful smoke streams behind them. Sari and the boys cheered as the acrobatic planes performed overhead, making wide turns and fast dives, spiraling in formation and performing flips. Prowl clapped politely, absorbed in the performance as much as Optimus and Sentinel were. Yet, something in the distance caught his eye and made pause.

"Wait, what's that?"

Optimus almost didn't hear him over the crowd, but look down at Prowl with a puzzled look.

"You say something, Prowl?"

Prowl pointed upwards and Optimus followed the finger, seeing a small grey figure in the sky, growing bigger and speeding towards them!

Both dropped onto their knees as the flying figure flew over their heads and spooked the crowd as it flew off again.

"Did you see that?!" Sentinel shouted over the noise. "It has wings!"

The human shape figure with wings rolled and as he climbed over the crowd.

"This isn't part of the programme," Bulkhead mused from his spot as he read through the leaflet.

"Who cares, it's wicked!" Bumblebee fist pumped as the flying figure came back towards. "You think it's some kind of flying robot?"

"It kinda looks like a person," Sari squinted her eyes but couldn't get a good look at it. It was moving too fast.

"That's my flight tech-suit!" Sumdac exclaimed from the stage, turning to face Megatron, who much to his surprised, looked as equally as baffled as himself.

Megatron turned to his second, silently demanding explanation but the younger man could only sheepishly shrug his shoulders, at a loss for words as his eyes followed the flying figure, who somersaulted and dropped down towards them. The crowd erupted with laughter and Bumblebee and Sari clapped the loudest.

"That guy better be careful how low he gets," said Bulkhead. "Otherwise he's gonna be right over our heads-"

A loud explosion shook the ground.

Sari tumbled out of Bumblebee's arms and rolled to the ground, the force of the explosion throwing them all backwards. Bumblebee was stunned where he lay on the ground, his vision completely white and his ears ringing from the noise.

"The building's on fire!" someone was shouting, but he couldn't make out who. Blinking the light from his eyes, Bumblebee's vision flooded with red as flames burst from the building.

"Elita's in there!" Sentinel shouted as he crawled back to his feet, save enough distance from the explosion that he wasn't as affected as those up close. He didn't so much as wait for Optimus before he ran towards the building, fighting his way through the crowd.

Optimus helped Prowl to his feet, but at the mention of Elita he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, dialing his work place.

"Hello, I'm at Ministry of Science, there is a fire at the lab and people are in danger. I need all available units here now!"

Prowl was already on his phone as well, getting in touch with the police department.

"My lab," Sumdac mourned from where he lay on the floor, taking in the site of the smoking building. The majority of the complex was completely intact but the source of the explosion had come from the robotics wing. His wing.

Megatron crawled back to his feet, body sore all over, but otherwise perfectly fine. "Starscream, explain!"

"The explosives," Starscream hissed as he staggered back to his feet. "The flight suit had been acquired by my men as you ordered, but the explosives weren't meant to go off until Sumdac was back in his office."

Megatron growled and grabbed his second by the neck, holding him at eye length.

"You fool!" he spat in smaller man's face. "The moment I find out who's in that suit, I will deal with you!"

"He's coming towards us!" shouted Wheeljack from where he was holding Botanica.

All eyes turned to the figure in the flight suit, who was diving low, swooping over the heads of the terrified bystanders and heading right to the podium, and flying right towards them. The figure raised an arm and before Megatron could comprehend what was attached to the thief's arm, they fired.

Starscream pulled himself free of Megatron's hold and back-pedaled as the shot hit, missing Megatron by a hair, and instead hitting the support beam of the giant atom structure above them and brining it down around them!

The crowd screamed and scattered.

"Sari!" Sumdac ran towards his daughter, only to stumble back as one of the structures crumbled and fell around him, blocking his escape route.

"Dad!"

"Sari!" Bulkhead screamed after Sari as she for the podium, oblivious to her father's cries to get out of the way as debris continued to fall around them.

Bulkhead and Bumblebee ran after her, Bee being smaller and faster, jumped onto the platform and dived for Sari. She didn't have time to register the large pieces of metal about to crush her, as Bumblebee wrapped his arms around her, protecting her with his body as he rolled out of the way of the impact.

He sighed in relief for a split second before another explosion rung through his ears, threatening to deafen him. There was more crying and screaming, and fire, so much fire. Looking up he spotted the main building shake overhead.

The roof was falling on them!

Not even thinking, Bumblebee stood and carried Sari away, but pain shot down his leg and he cried out, collapsing to the floor. Sari saw the wound and covered her mouth with her hand. Thinking fast, she got and tried to drag him away, but he was too big for her.

Looking up into her scared brown eyes, Bumblebee put on his best smile and said, "It's gonna be alright, I promise."

He pulled her into a hug and she didn't even have time to return it before he lifted her up and flung her off the stage and into Bulkhead's waiting arms.

"Bumblebee!" she screamed as the debris fell around him.

Notes:

Skin tones

Pale – Bulkhead, Fanzone, Ultra Magnus, Megatron, Longarm, Blurr, Swoop, Wreck-Gar, Mixmaster, Yoketron
Olive – Optimus Prime, Ratchet, Elita-1, Arcee, Starscream, Lugnut, Blitzwing, Soundwave, Wasp, Snarl, Dirt Boss, Ironhide, Red Alert
Dark – Bumblebee, Prowl, Sari, Sumdac, Sentinel Prime, Jazz, Grimlock, Swindle, Scrapper, Rodimus Prime, Hotshot
? - Lockdown (black & white facepaint)