Disclaimer: All Transformers characters belong to Hasbro. Any made up characters were created by me. This has TF Slash. This is the sequel to It's Now or Never.
Summery: (2007 Movie verse) *sequel to It's Now or Never* Prowl and Jazz get their own sparkling, but can they protect their "baby" from Decepticons?
Parings: ProwlXJazz, RatchetXWheeljack
"blah" – Normal human speak
"blah" – Cybertronian speak
blah – thinking
The Next Generation
by Yami-Yugi3
Chapter 9
Once outside, Bumblebee and Gadget transformed. Melissa climbed into Gadget's driver seat. Sam did the same in Bumblebee while Mikeala sat in the front passenger seat. "Okay let's go." Bumblebee said happily. Gadget smiled and followed her best friend away from base.
"So, where are we going?" Melissa asked.
"It's up to Bee," Gadget smiled. 'Bee, where are you taking us?'
'Sam suggested the spot. I'm following his directions.'
'Alright. I trust he'll take us somewhere good,' she replied with a smile. Melissa smiled as she watched the scenery go by from the highway.
"Just a few more miles, then take exit two. You'll love this place."
"Oh yeah..." Mikeala smiled, having been there before.
"Yeah, right here Bee." Melissa watched as they turned off to exit two. The off ramp ended in a stoplight. From the stoplight, the road became a dusty dirt path.
"Gadget...just where are we going? I have no idea where we are.
'Bumblebee...?'
'Sam reassures me that this place is breathtaking.'
"It's more than that," Mikeala said. "And coming from a city girl who loves to work in a shop, that's saying something." Melissa's question was forgotten as they continued down the dirt road. The trees and old homes caught captured her interest.
"It's five more miles down the road, Bee," said Sam.
"Seagulls! Ducks! Blue Herrings!"
"It must be beautiful if there's an increase in wildlife," said Gadget. Bumblebee, Gadget, and Melissa followed the line of tress until they got to a huge open lake. There were trees on the bank being reflected in the sparkling, blue water. There was a foothill about a mile down the side of it.
"I bet we could hike on that foothill!" Melissa said excitedly. Bumblebee drove down to the foothill and parked in front of it on a patch of dirt. Gadget pulled up beside him. Melissa sighed happily as she got out of Gadget. Sam and Mikeala smiled to themselves as they got out of Bumblebee.
"So, what do you think?" Sam asked.
"It's so pretty," Melissa smiled.
"I know..." Sam said. "My parents brought me here last summer for the weekend. I brought Mikeala."
"It's still as cool as I remember," she agreed.
"So much beauty on this planet that I still haven't seen..." Gadget said. Bumblebee quietly took it all in. He tried to slowly drive up to the lake's edge to watch the wildlife.
"Feel free to transform and look around," Sam smiled. "Nobody's here in the early spring. We have the place to ourselves. You guys can be yourself." Gadget took a deep breath as she transformed. She stretched her limbs before carefully going to the lake's edge. She was careful to sit gracefully without scaring anything off. She let the tip of a metal foot sink into the water.
"This is great. Thank you Sam, Bumblebee." Melissa took off her shoes and rolled up her shorts, sitting next to Gadget. She waded into the water and climbed onto Gadget's ankle. She let her feet dangle from the living metal perch. Bumblebee sat down beside Gadget. Mikeala and Sam sat down on a nearby bench, doing what couples do. Bumblebee smiled as a Blue jay perched on his hand. He slowly brought his metal pinky to him and pet his head. "Aww, he likes you," Melissa smiled. Gadget smiled as she watched. She sighed happily, then smirked. "I wonder how the water feels..." she said with a glint in her eye. Her smirk broadened as she tipped her foot up. There was an accompanying scream and splash.
"GADGET!" Melissa whined as she trudged out of the lake. She wrung out her shirt as she did, glaring at her guardian.
"What? You wanted to get wet, didn't you?" Bumblebee tried not to laugh.
"Not without my swim suit..." Melissa pouted. Gadget laughed out right as she scooped up her damp friend.
"Oh...I was just having fun, youngling," she soothed. Melissa sighed heavily. Gadget, still laughing, set her on her lap. "You know when you pout like a sparkling it just makes it worse. You can be cute when you're angry."
"I'm not trying to be cute! I'm wet!" she whined, punching Gadget's lower stomach plating. "OW!" Gadget only laughed harder.
"Now, now," she chuckled. "That's not going to get you anywhere. Metal hurts flesh you silly girl."
"Oooo!" Gadget just pat her on the head with a smile.
"I'm sorry, little one. You know I would never truly hurt you."
"...No..." Melissa smiled, nuzzling into her guardian. "I just wish I could push you into the water to get you back," she smirked.
"Ah, but I'm a big metallic organism," she smirked back. Melissa just sighed and shook her head. "You mean a lot to me, little one. You always will. I'll protect you with my very spark until the life goes out of your body."
"I know you will..." she smiled. "Oh! Look at the ducks!" she said as she sat up. Gadget picked Melissa up and set her on her shoulder. She slowly stood up and moved a few feet down. There, in the middle of the lake, was a family of ducks. She set Melissa down on the bank to let her watch close up. Melissa happily waded out to a safe distance and smiled as she watched the babies learn to swim and fly. Gadget watched, occasionally looking at the sky or other wildlife. Bumblebee watched Sam and Mikeala cuddling on the bench to make sure they were okay. He got a smirk on his face and stood up. He crept down the bank towards Gadget. He slowly approached her as her optics were following a heard of deer across the lake. With a smirk and a jump, he tackled Gadget into the water. Both went under in a horrendous wave of water and a yelp from Gadget. Sam and Mikeala rushed down to see what the commotion was about. Both surfaced, Gadget shoving Bumblebee away.
"What was that for, you slagger?" Bumblebee just laughed.
"I...I...was...Melissa wanted to...get you back..."
"Oh...? Since when did you take revenge on ME for MY friends?"
"Since it was fun," he giggled. He pushed her under again.
"Bee!" she whined.
"Now, THAT one was all me!" he laughed.
"Oh! You're gonna get it, you bug!" Bumblebee just laughed, trying to dodge her lunges. She smirked as she pushed him under again. Both started splashing and fighting, erupting into fits of laughter. Melissa couldn't help but giggle at them. Sam and Mikeala walked away, leaving the two Autobots to themselves. They found a secluded area and went back to making out. Melissa lost interest in the two bots and wandered off. She found a nearby trail and followed it. She smiled as she looked at all the wildlife and heard the music of the woods. Gadget trudged out of the water. "No more. That's it. Let's enjoy the rest of the day."
"Aww...you're such kill joy..."
"I've got water in parts I had forgotten I had!" Bumblebee just giggled. Gadget sighed. "Time to cool off now."
"Okay okay..." Bumblebee sighed and sat next to her.
"...Bee...?"
"Huh?"
"Thanks for bringing us here. I needed this."
"No problem. What are friends for?" he smiled. She smiled back. She sighed sadly. "What's wrong?"
"...Sky...she...she would love this... I...want to bring her here when she recovers."
"She'll be fine Gadget." Bumblebee said "Just wait and see."
"...I hope so..." Gadget said.
"I know so." Gadget smiled a bit and watched the ducks and their ducklings sadly.
Bumblebee watched her, trying to think of something to make Gadget happy. He got a smirk on his face and nudged her. "Tag! You're it!" He stood up and ran off.
"Bee, that is so childish and-...hey!" She ran after.
Gadget chased Bumblebee around for an hour before both of them pulled up to the lake side again. Both transformed and laughed at each other. Bumblebee looked towards Sam and Mikeala to see them napping in the nice shade of a tree. "Hey Gadget...where's Melissa?" Bumblebee asked.
"She's right-...here? Wh-where... Melissa! Melissa where are you, youngling!" she called. There was a familiar high pitched scream and the sound of a jet flying off.
Bumblebee transformed and drove off. "Starscream!" he called as he disappeared into the distance.
The noise woke Mikeala. "Sam... SAM! Our rides are leaving us."
"Wh-what...? Hey! BEE! Hey! You can't...!"
"Come on!"
"We...We can't catch up to them on foot..."
"We can't stay here. There might be more 'Cons." She took out her cell phone and dialed the base. Sam followed as they ran after Gadget and Bumblebee.
"This is Prowl. What's the emergency?" the second in command answered from the other end.
"It's Mikeala. Bumblebee and Gadget went off chasing a 'Con. They left us stranded."
"What?" he asked surprised.
"Just what I said," replied Mikeala. "We need a ride out of here. There could be more. I think the 'Con took our friend."
"Okay hold on tight."
"We're trying to follow Gadget and Bee on foot," she replied.
"On foot? I'll send help right away."
"Thanks," Mikeala said as she hung up.
"Is someone coming?"
"Yeah."
"Optimus!" Prowl said as he ran out of the command center.
"Prowl what is it?"
"Prime, it's Bumblebee and Gadget. They left Mikeala and Sam stranded. They're chasing after a Decepticon. It's a possible hostage situation."
"That's not good."
"What should we do, Optimus?"
"I'm going to contact Bumblebee and Gadget and get more details out of them. Send Sideswipe to pick up Sam and Mikeala."
"Yes sir."
Prowl left to get Sideswipe as Optimus opened his comm. link. 'Bumblebee, report. This is Optimus Prime.'
'Optimus?' he replied, surprised to hear his leader's voice.
'Bumblebee...Prowl has informed me that you left Sam and Mikeala behind.'
'Oh slag! How did-...are they alright?'
'Prowl answered a call from Mikeala's communication device. They are trying to follow you and Gadget by foot. I'm sending Sideswipe to pick them up. I want a full status report on what's going on.'
'Well...Gadget and I got back from play-...a...a long drive. I noticed her friend and charge, Melissa Jackson was missing. We heard her scream and saw a jet fly off. I recognized it as Starscream. I chased after him. I believe he has her prisoner. Gadget's right behind me. She followed after I alerted her.'
'Continue your pursuit. I'll mobilize everyone. Do you know why they would capture her?'
'No, I don't. I don't think she knew anything. I'll ask Gadget when I can.'
'Keep me informed, Optimus out.' Optimus sighed heavily. Starscream was an unwanted distraction from the day's duties. 'Be careful and bring the humans straight back to base. I think Bumblebee and Gadget can handle Starscream for now. Sam and Mikeala's safety are your priority.'
'I understand. Sideswipe out,' he replied as the left the base. Sam and Mikeala were sitting at the side of the road almost two miles down from the lake. Both were catching their breath and hoping for a ride back home. It wasn't long until Sideswipe drove up. "Need a lift?" he asked.
"Sideswipe? Yeah, we sure do," said Mikeala. The autobot open his doors for them.
Both climbed in, now a bit more relaxed. "...Air conditioning..." sighed Sam.
Mikeala sighed in content. "Are you both alright?" Sideswipe asked as he drove away.
"Yeah, just hot and tired." Mikeala said.
"Oh. I'm supposed to take you back to base. Prime's orders."
"But what about Bee, Gadget and Melissa?" Sam asked.
"Optimus said they'd be okay. I think he's going to send some guys after him."
"Oh, alright. I hope so..." Sam said worriedly.
"Sam...we would only get in the way. It's not like I have a tow truck and you don't have the AllSpark."
"I guess."
"Don't worry. Prime thinks of everything. He won't let anything happen to them," said Sideswipe. 'Prime, I've got the humans. I'm headed back to base.'
'Good. Ironhide and I are on our way to rendevous with Gadget and Bumblebee. Starscream is headed to some cliffs. Bumblebee believes its a secret lair of some sort. Report to Prowl once you get back to base. Ironhide and I will take care of the younglings and Miss Jackson.'
'Sure thing boss bot.'
Meanwhile, back at base, Perceptor was recharging peacefully in Medical Bay. He had his arm curled around SkyFlyer's comatose form. Ratchet, who was working on reports and organizing the supplies, looked on with a smile. He went over to his granddaughter and gently stroked her helm. Her readings spiked a bit at the calming touch. "I know you'll make it through this," he said with a solemn smile. He walked away to go back to what he was working on, but he stopped when her readings spiked a bit more. She slowly stirred. He rushed over, worried something might be wrong. She slowly blinked open optics. She whimpered and rubbed her optics as her door wings acted in sync with her body and emotions. "By Primus... You're stubborn just like your mother..." She weakly reached up her hands to be held. "You just couldn't stay down, huh?" She weakly shook her head, still whimpering a bit. He sighed and sat down on the berth, taking her into his arms. She nuzzled against him, putting her thumb in her mouth. Her weak optics looked around the room. How could she stay asleep when there was so much to see and do? She hummed contentedly to see "daddy" sleeping peacefully nearby. "He's been keeping watch over you while your mom's away." She whimpered a bit from her still healing, still new door wings. Ratchet gently rubbed them to help. "It's just going to take a little while. You'll get better." She nuzzled against him happily, still sucking her thumb. Ratchet smiled at her as he moved the i.v lines out of the way a bit. She fluttered her door wings, curiously testing them out. She immediately regretted it, whimpering and moaning in pain. "Easy little one." She clicked and cried a bit. He sent out a soothing magnetic pulse as he brushed his hand over them. "They're not quite ready yet, Sky. Don't rush." She nuzzled against him again, putting her thumb back in her mouth. He smiled at her and rubbed her helm. "They'll heal in time, Sky. I admire your determination though..." Perceptor woke and jumped up from his position when SkyFlyer wasn't there.
"Oh…my…" Perceptor said as he came over to Ratchet and SkyFlyer. The little blue femme chirped happily and waved before putting her thumb back in her mouth.
"She woke up a breem ago."
"Is everything alright?"
"She's fine. She just couldn't stay asleep. She's stubborn and strong like her mother."
"…Ah yes… You want to come to dad, Sky?" She clicked and reached out her spare hand. Ratchet gladly handed her over, careful of the I.V lines. She hummed as she nuzzled against the scientist's chest. "Dad loves you, very much…" Her weak optics closed. Perceptor smiled and slowly rubbed her helm. She hummed and whirred before falling into a deep, natural recharge. "Will she be alright, sleeping normally? Is it bad that she came out of the comatose state?"
"No…she'll be just fine. Like I said, she's strong like her mother. She was determined not to stay down. As long as she takes it easy and rests, she'll come out alright. I don't want to release her just yet."
"I thought so. Gadget will be happy to hear she's alright."
"That she will," Ratchet smiled. Perceptor smiled in return. He carefully laid down on the berth with her lying on his chest. He looked at her door wings, almost studying them.
"Well, her mother DOES have them. I suppose we should have guessed."
"Yes, but you don't. Sometimes doors can be dominate traits, sometimes they're not. It really depends on the unique programming of each parent."
"I see… Well, I'll make sure she rests properly. She'll be glad to play copycat with Harmony," Perceptor smiled broadly.
"Oh, yes… I'd almost forgotten about that. Harmony will be very happy to have a copycat her size and age."
"Harmony will be happy that Sky will be better soon."
"Yes, she will. She was very worried about her."
Meanwhile, Optimus gathered up Ironhide, Sunstreaker, and Cliffjumper to go after Starscream. They left the base, following the roads Bumblebee had sent them to follow. "I hope we catch up to them soon," said Sunstreaker.
"Yeah, I would love to kick Starscream's aft," Cliffjumper said.
"I'd like to give him a good taste of my cannons."
"Everyone calm down. This is serious. Have you all forgotten there's a human hostage involved? If we fire on Starscream, we could hurt Miss Jackson."
"Sorry, Optimus. I'd forgotten about Melissa," sighed Ironhide. He knew all too well the feeling of a charge in danger. He knew he would be hunting down Starscream with a burning passion if Annabelle or her parents were in the same situation.
They were coming up on a yellow spec ahead. "Bumblebee spotted three yards ahead. We've almost caught up to them. Be ready everyone," Optimus said as he sped up a bit.
"Right."
'Optimus to Bumblebee, do you copy?'
'Bumblebee here.'
We're coming up behind you. Where is Gadget's location?'
'She is one yard in front of me, sir. I've tried to keep communication. She...she's quite upset. It's hard to keep up.'
'I'll try contacting her myself, Prime out.' As Optimus and the group caught up to Bumblebee, he sent out a link to Gadget. 'Gadget, this is Optimus, come in.' There was no answer as he looked past Bumblebee to try and see her ahead. 'Gadget, this is Optimus Prime. Report.' After a few moments of silence, he sighed heavily. He knew what Bumblebee said must be true. She was not one to defy her superiors in any way. He reached out and could feel the anger in the family bond he had with all the Autobots. He took a deep breath and tried again. 'Gadget, this is Optimus Prime. Report, that's an order.'
'...S-sir...?' she questioned.
'I'm following Bumblebee with Ironhide, Cliffjumper, and Sunstreaker.'
'H-how long...have you been following...?' she asked with guilt in her voice.
'An earth hour. I assembled a team as quickly as possible once I arranged transport for Sam and Mikeala.'
She felt even more guilty now. Sam and Mikeala were forgotten and left behind. They didn't deserve to be dragged into such danger. 'I...My deepest apologies, sir. I should not have abandoned them so quickly. I...was out of line, sir.'
'That may be, but you were acting out of concern for Miss Jackson. I will excuse it this one time due to the current circumstances.'
"DIE AUTOBOTS!" Starcream cried as he fired down upon them. He sneered in rage to find out he was being followed, not just by two young scouts, but by Prime and that old rust bucket with the cannons as well.
"NOO! Leave them alone!" Melissa screeched from the cockpit.
"SILENCE FLESHLING!" he roared, cutting off her oxygen supply temporarily.
She gasped for air until he restored it. She curled up in the pilot's seat, shaking in fear. When I said I wanted to fly in a jet before I die, this is NOT what I wanted... she thought.
"Autobots! Regain control and DO NOT return fire!" Optimus called to them.
"What Prime? Don't want to hurt the fleshling?" Starscream smirked. Cliffjumper and Ironhide resisted the urge to blast Starscream into a million pieces.
"Your snide remarks will not work on me, Starscream. I have far more wisdom than you do," Optimus replied.
"C'mon, Optimus. Just the wing tip? I'll do my best not to hit the cockpit," said Ironhide.
"No! Permission denied."
"What...not even just a little bit?"
"Ironhide..." Optimus spoke dangerously.
"Just keeping my options open..." Optimus sighed as they continued to follow Bumblebee. Gadget slowed down a bit to let the others catch up. She was a little more calm now. Having Optimus and her fellow 'Bots following behind her comforted her.
There was a sudden screech and Starscream sped off ahead of them. "You Slagger!" screamed Gadget as she sped after him. 'Optimus sir! Permission to pursue at top speed!'
'Permission granted. BE CAREFUL. Do NOT do anything until we arrive behind you.'
'Understood, Prime. Gadget out.' With that, she followed Starscream full throttle. Bumblebee and the others followed after her, tracking her location.
Starscream landed on an abandoned air strip that led to an abandoned hanger. He went inside and transformed. He held Melissa tightly in his grip as the hanger slammed shut. There was a shabby Medical Bay in one corner. The other side of it had places for the Decepticons to park in their alternate modes for regular maintenance. The rest of the side with the Medical had computers and monitors on it. There was an elevator near the parking spots. Melissa could only guess that it went down underground to sleeping quarters and laboratories. "Hey Starscream, where did you go?" Thundercraker asked.
"Out on patrol. Making sure those stupid Autobots are kept in line."
"They're not stupid! They're coming for me!"
"SHUT UP!" Starscream barked. Melissa shivered and closed her mouth tightly.
"Ewww! You brought one of those stupid humans with you?" asked Skywarp as he came over.
"Yes. She could be useful," he smirked. He walked over to the elevator. Skywarp smirked. Thundercracker followed right behind him.
"Hey...can I play with the human too?"
"No," Starscream growled.
"Aww, please Screamer?"
"Don't calm me that! You may be my brother, but I'm still leader of the Decepticons."
"After you're done with it?"
"...Maybe...but only after I'm done with her. For now, go keep watch. The Autobots tried to follow me here."
"What ever you say Screamer."
"I said don't call me that, TC!" Melissa winced, but giggled a bit at thier brotherly banter. Starscream sighed angrily as his two wingmates retreated away from him. Thundercracker went outside to stand guard while Skywarp kept an eye on the monitors.
"I can't believe I'm related to those two..." Starscream growled. Melissa gulped and shivered again as Starscream took her down the elevator. There were a few moments of flashing lights and darkness, then it opened into a hallway. Sure enough, one side of the hall led to private quarters. A few Decepticons were walking around. They nodded respectfully at Starscream. The other side of the all led down to a set of big double doors. A few smaller doors to living quarters and private labs were on the walls too. One door was marked "holding cell". Melissa prayed to God and to the Cybertronian god that Starscream would take her there. Her prayers were denied as Starscream went down to the double doors. She swallowed hard and tried to hid in his tight grip as the doors opened. Inside was the main laboratory to the secret base. Various machines made various noises. Lights flashed here and there from different devices. She shivered and tried to keep her eyes tightly closed. "No use, cowering human. You're only delaying the inevitable. Don't worry... I plan to keep you alive... at least for a little while," he smirked. Melissa shivered, almost sobbing in terror now. Starscream set her down with a clawed hand on one of the work tables. He strapped her down to keep her from escaping. She whimpered and tried to struggle. "You're only adding to my amusement, fleshling."
Outside, Gadget was hidden in her car mode on the side of the hanger. She could sense Thundercracker pacing back and forth, looking around in boredom. She was parked as close to the side of the hanger as she could get. Please Primus...let her be alright until the others come.
Optimus Prime and the others, with Bumblebee in lead, reached the abandoned air strip. 'Autobots, be on high alert. One of the seekers is standing guard outside. We need to approach carefully so as not to alert our presence.'
Everyone nodded and waited for instructions. 'Gadget, do you read? This is Optimus Prime. We're at your location.'
'I copy, sir. I'm on the left side of the warehouse. I cannot see you. Permission to create a distraction?'
'Granted, but be careful.'
'You can count on me.' She carefully scanned for the other Autobots in the now dark and sunless night. She could make out their signatures five yards away. She carefully pulled away from the side of the warehouse. She watched Thundercracker's every move. She watched him pace before speeding out of her spot. "Come and get me Blundercracker!" she screamed as she raced off down the runway.
"Hey!"
'Autobots! Move out!' At Optimus's command, the small group raced up to the hanger and chased after Thundercracker. He raced after Gadget in his true form. She laughed as he tried to keep up in his bi-pedal mode.
"I'll get you yet! I'll prove to Starscream I can catch an Autobot!" He was just about to transform when Cliffjumper and Ironhide shot at him.
"I don't think so, punk!"
Optimus skidded to a stop in front of the hanger, just as Skywarp warped out to greet him. "You think I wouldn't see you on the security system?" Optimus transformed and tackled Skywarp to the ground.
"I wanted you to see us. Now there's no one to warn the others we're here."
"Slag! STAR-..." he was cut off as Optimus strangled his throat. His vocalizer frizzed and he was silent. He growled, painfully clutching his throat. He flipped a control on his arm, sending a comm. signal, but Optimus reacted quickly. With a fling of his sword, the control was slashed. Skywarp sneered, clutching his bleeding arm. He was unable to do anything now, except warp. He smirked, ignoring the pain to his throat and arm.
He flipped the control on his other arm, ready to warp back inside. Bumblebee was quick to tackle him to the ground before he could move. "Another one bites the dust," played as he smiled. He had Skywarp pinned underneath him for the most part.
"Good work, Bumblebee."
"Why don't I spark sit this slagger, Bee?" Ironhide said as he came over to the three of them. Bumblebee buzzed and clicked a yes with a thumbs up. As soon as he got up, Ironhide sat down very ungracefully on top of Skywarp. "Not going anywhere, punk." Skywarp fizzled out a growl.
"Bumblebee, you come with me," said Optimus. "We're going inside to get Melissa out of there. I just pray Starscream hasn't done any permanant damage." Ironhide shivered a bit. He was glad it was not Annabelle or Will, however, he did not want to picture how badly the Jackson girl was suffering. Optimus clapped him on the shoulder. Gadget, Sunstreaker, and Cliffjumper raced up in fits of laughter. They had Thundercracker in a very sorry state. He was hog tied and being dragged behind the three. Sunstreaker had gone to painting him with human prison stripes. The blue seeker grumbled and growled. "Good work," Optimus said. "Cliffjumper, Sunstreaker, you two stay with Ironhide and the prisoners."
"Sure thing boss bot." Cliffjumper said.
"Sir, does that mean I'm coming with you?" Gadget asked eagerly.
"It's pointless for me to try and stop you from coming. Miss Jackson is your charge. I know you want to help." Gadget nodded. She sunk her head low a moment.
"Sir...it was...was my fault. If I had been watching her more closely...If I had been paying attention to her...she wouldn't have gone into the forest and gotten captured." She stood there, trying not to cry.
"You had no way of knowing that Starscream would be out."
"...No...but I should...I should have been more vigilant..." she choked. Bumblebee came over and hugged her.
"My fault too," he said.
Optimus came over to them. "It was an honest mistake. Everyone makes them," he spoke gently. "Come on. The longer we stay here the more danger she is in." Gadget sniffled and nodded, wiping her optics. Bumblebee pulled away and both followed Optimus. "Ironhide, I'm leaving you in charge of the others and the prisoners. They cannot be allowed to alert Starscream and the others to our mission."
"You can count on me, Prime. I think we've got these slaggers under control," Ironhide smirked.
"Hey Cliff, maybe I should doodle on his face next," laughed Sunstreaker.
"Y-yeah…" the red mini-bot agreed. "Like those human graffiti faces…" Optimus just sighed as he walked away. He knew they wouldn't let him down. Gadget swallowed hard, nervous and worried about Melissa. She hoped that she would find her still functional.
"Bumblebee, you think you can break the code on the door?"
"Sure thing, Prime."
"S-sir," Gadget said nervously, "I might be better at it, Optimus sir. I-I've…tinkered with similar security devices in grandpa's lab."
"If you think you're up to it." She took a deep breath and nodded fiercely. She could not let him down because of stupid emotions. Bumblebee smiled and stepped aside. Gadget easily cracked the code and the hanger door opened. "Proceed cautiously. We aren't sure if there are others here."
"I'm detecting faint signatures below us, Prime."
"So am I…Melissa's down there…somewhere…"
"Alright, be careful. There are several of the Decepticons here. Use force if necessary, but do not kill unless absolutely necessary." Both scouts nodded as they found the elevator and took it down.
They looked out of the elevator shaft cautiously. At first glance there were no Decepticons present. They all were in their quarters or laboratories. Two stepped out of a room and started conversing. "Fall back…" Optimus spoke quietly. The three bots hid against a wall until the two 'Cons passed by them. There was a familiar scream at the end of the hall from behind big double doors.
"Melissa!" Gadget cried racing down the hall.
"Gadget!" "NO!" both Bumblebee and Optimus called out. It was too late. Gadget had raced down the hall and started banging on the double doors.
"HEY! Autobots! Autobots in the base!" the Decepticon was silenced with a knock out blast from Optimus. Bumblebee managed to seal the rest of the quarters with a few good shots of his cannon. Both chased after her.
"Gadget, Gadget! Stop!" Bumblebee pleaded as she continued to bust open the doors.
"NO! I have to get in there and save her!" Optimus secured the hallway before walking down to them. Gadget pounded the door one last time before it opened. Starscream stood there, glaring at them.
"Well well well… Come to collect your precious cargo?" he sneered.
"Surrender the human and we'll leave," Optimus spoke calmly.
"Oh? Why should I do that? I've been having so much fun with her."
"…G-Gadget…!" Melissa screamed weakly. "H-Help…!"
"You VILE SLAGGER!" Gadget screamed as she dived at him. Starscream easily blasted her away, knocking her into Bumblebee. Optimus sighed heavily as he looked back at the two fallen scouts. Gadget carefully pushed Bumblebee off of her and lunged at Starscream again. Starscream only laughed as she came near again. Optimus deflected his next blast with his sword. "Leave them alone! Who you really want is me!"
"…You know…you're right about that," Starscream smirked. He blasted at Optimus, but he dove out of the way. He lunged at Starscream and managed to slice his wing tip. He screeched in pain.
"You VILE pit spawn!" Gadget took the opportunity to rush in to the lab. "NO you don't!" Starscream said as he turned and shot at her. She fell with yelp as the blast hit her hard in the back, damaging a door wing and putting a hole in her back. She collapsed because the injury was close to her spark.
"STARSCREAM!" Optimus yelled, with a tone reserved for Megatron. He tackled Starscream to the ground and punched him hard in the chest. He immediately went offline into unconsciousness. Optimus sighed heavily, letting Starscream fall harshly to the ground. HE made sure Starscream wouldn't awaken for a long time before stepping over him. "Bumblebee, get Gadget out of here, now!" he said, anger still in his voice.
"Y-Yes sir," Bumblebee said warily. He hoped Prime wasn't mad at them for this fiasco of a rescue. He carefully picked up the fallen femme, struggling a bit with her heavier and taller build. He gave solemn look towards Optimus as he made his way back to the surface. Optimus Prime sighed very heavily, trying to regain his composure. He walked into the lab and over to the work table where Melissa was restrained. He did a quick scan as he noted the few deep cuts and burns to her body. Good, no permanent damage or internal injuries. He undid her restraints and held out his hands for her.
"Miss Jackson, are you alright?"
"…N-no…Now that you're….h-ere…." She shivered in fear and pain. She weakly tried to walk towards his hands to climb into them. She fainted halfway there, but he was quick and he caught her. He cradled her gently against his chest. He watched her solemnly, her breathing heavy. He could see a few vials of her blood sitting in a nearby machine. A microscope was close by as well. He scanned the amount in the vials and growled. Humans cannot stand that much loss of their fluids! He immediately sent an emergency frequency to Ratchet. He could also tell by other papers she was subjected to some not so gentle scans as well. Starscream made Wheeljack seem sane. Melissa coughed weakly. Optimus was glad Gadget had not gotten the full sight of her condition. It would have broken her and sent her in to a rage that rivaled Ratchet's and Ironhide's put together. He welcomed the swift ride to the surface. He walked out to the others. He could hear distant sirens meaning Ratchet was on his way.
"Bumblebee, help me with Melissa a moment." He nodded as he gently laid Gadget down on the ground. He gently took Melissa away from Optimus while he transformed. Once Optimus was in his semi-mode, Bumblebee carefully reached a hand inside. He gently laid Melissa down on the sleeper cab bed. Optimus secured the back area before settling on his shocks. Melissa slept on, her breathing becoming a little less erratic. Bumblebee kept on eye on Gadget as they waited for Ratchet to close the distance.
A lime green rescue hummer pulled up to the scene. He transformed and took one look at the scene before him. "What the Pit happened here?" he asked irritated and confused. When he got no answer, he looked to Optimus. "Well?"
"Starscream happened. Bumblebee and Gadget went after him. He managed to take Miss Jackson hostage. I believe Bumblebee would be better at explaining. The others and I only followed them here recently."
"...Right...Well...I suppose I should start at the beginning of this whole mess. Sam, Mikeala, Melissa and I thought it would be a nice idea to take Gadget somewhere. You know, give her some time to herself so she wouldn't worry about SkyFlyer..." He went on about everything that led up to the current situation.
"We should hurry," Optimus spoke while Ratchet processed the information. "Melissa will not last long in her condition."
Ratchet turned to him, more irritated with the new information. "Explain," he said crossly.
"Starscream is to blame. She was subject to his... curiosity while I took Bee and Gadget inside the hanger.
"Where is she and how badly injured?" he demanded.
"Inside me and critical. There's no permanent damage, but-..." He didn't get to finish as Ratchet went over and scanned the inside of him.
"She needs a hospital, now!" He transformed back into his rescue mode as Bumblebee quickly yet carefully reached inside and took Melissa back out. He gently laid her in the back of Ratchet. The CMO made sure she was comfortable and secure before slamming his doors shut and racing off, his sirens blaring. Bumblebee looked at Optimus. "What about Gadget? I know we should follow, but..."
"Ironhide, we're going after them. Can you take Gadget back to base?"
"Sure thing. I'll get a hold of Wheeljack as soon as I get her there. He'll tend to her until Ratchet gets back." Optimus nodded and raced after Ratchet. Bumblebee followed quickly behind. "Come on you two," Ironhide said as he got off of Skywarp.
"But..."
"Let's go. We can leave these slaggers to sort themselves out. We're done here."
Sunstreaker nodded. "I was done with this stupid place anyway." He whistled as he went over and picked up Gadget. "Man she took a beating."
"How do we get her back?" Cliffjumper asked.
"Sunstreaker, put her in the back of me." With that, he transformed. Sunstreaker carried her over, gently laying her down in Ironhide's truck bed. She fit almost perfectly. Her feet dangled over a bit and her head was resting up against his back window.
"She'll be alright back there?"
"Yeah, strap her down to be safe. I don't want anything to happen to her." Sunstreaker nodded and took straps out of Ironhide's back seat. He secured Gadget into place.
"Okay, she's not going anywhere."
"Alright. Let's go." Ironhide sped off. Sunstreaker and Cliffjumper transformed, following after him.