No Roads Left

Chapter 5- You're not the one that you pretend to be

Disclaimer: I do not own Thor, Loki, the Avengers or Transformers. They belong to Marvel/Disney and Hasbro/Takara.

Wheeljack let himself into the hangar containing the brig. Time for the weekly maintenance on the force fields for each cell. The work needed done, but it was partly an excuse, because he wanted to see Loki for himself. The prisoner was sitting on his berth reading, but Loki looked up when he heard him, and he couldn't conceal his curiosity when he saw him.

"Ratchet won't shut up about you," Wheeljack said, running a quick check on the control panel for the field containing Loki.

"Sorry?" Loki asked.

"Ratchet. My aft-head of a mate. Tall, terrible blinding shade of green, easily angered medic," he said.

"You're Wheeljack," Loki said.

His fins glowed.

"And you've met Sideswipe and Sunstreaker," Wheeljack said. "Our two oldest. We have another, First Aid. Ratchet carried him. Longest five months of my life, not counting that time the twins were in Kaon. . ."

"Ratchet was pregnant?" Loki asked, incredulous.

"Yeah," Wheeljack said, shaking his head in exasperation at that particular bunch of memories. "He was grouchier than usual. Can't say I blame him, considering we had a pair just into the youngling stage and facing the reality of a newly-emerged protoform. Ratch was so overworked at the medical center, and Aid came a little early. Actually, Ratch was halfway through the second half of a double shift when the emergence cycle began."

"Aid?"

"First Aid," Wheeljack said, pride in his voice. "Our first creation together. He's a medic, like Ratchet. He's a quiet sort, hates conflict of any kind. But we couldn't be prouder of him, and the twins."

"They twins-why are you so proud to claim them, when they're not your own?" Loki asked.

"They are ours," Wheeljack said. "We raised them. It doesn't matter where they came from, or where you came from. Somebody cared. That's what matters."

"You're all mad," Loki said.

"I'm not the one in the cell," Wheeljack said. "You might want to give the field another test for me. The mechs who usually spend a lot of time in here have given up trying to get out. I'm surprised you haven't given it a genuine attempt."

When Loki didn't answer, Wheeljack tried another approach. "Where you come from, being adopted might have a stigma attached, but you better watch your mouth here," Wheeljack said. "You know my twins were adopted. I'm proud to say it. They're ours in every way that counts. Jazz and Prowl took in Bluestreak. Kup adopted Springer and Hot Rod, and they claim each other as brothers. Even our Prime was a foundling. So get over it."

"Why are you talking to me?" Loki said.

Wheeljack shrugged. "To pass the time? Thought maybe you'd like some intelligent company," he said. "That and considering the interest my mate and sons have taken in you, I thought I'd see for myself what all the fuss is about."

"Not much to see," Loki said.

"Sure, but I'm sure you have questions, and so do I," Wheeljack said. "For starters, what is the Destroyer?" Wheeljack asked. "And Lennox and Prime have some questions about something called the Tesseract. Sounds a bit like our Allspark."

Loki perked up at the mention of knew knowledge. He wanted to learn all he could about his hosts.

"We know SHIELD had some weapons based off this Destroyer," Wheeljack said. "A clear violation of the Tyrest Accord. Magnus is gonna flip. Prowl already is."

"I'm well acquainted with the weapons developed from the Destroyer," Loki said.

"They used one on you, didn't they?" Wheeljack asked, his fins flashing in amusement.

"Yes," Loki said. "It put me through a wall."

"You're pretty resilient, though," Wheeljack said. "We saw the footage of what that Hulk critter did to you. Ratchet was incensed on your behalf."

"I did deserve it," Loki said. "It helped bring me back to my senses. Apparently a hard knock to the head breaks the scepter's hold."

"SHIELD called it 'cognitive recalibration.' I like that," Wheeljack said. "And don't mention that scepter around Ratch. Brings out his worst."

"It tends to do that," Loki said with a smile.

Wheeljack snorted. "Yeah. I've seen it first hand. It's a nasty piece of work. I don't suppose you know how to destroy it?"

"I haven't given it any thought," Loki said. "I don't think it can be destroyed."

"Figures," Wheeljack muttered. "Maybe I can some up with something in my spare time. We haven't had a decent explosion around here in ages. . ."

"What are your duties?" Loki asked.

Again, Wheeljack noted the curiosity on the man's face. His eagerness to learn could have potential consequences for them all, but Wheeljack answered the question anyway.

"I'm an engineer by training," Wheeljack said. "My military functions are demolitions and close range combat. Ratch doesn't like that, and he certainly did not like my stint with the Wreckers, but somebody had to do it."

"Demolitions?"

"Blowing stuff up," Wheeljack said, his fins once again flashing with happiness. "There's nothing like the chaos caused by a good explosion. If there is one thing I excel at, it is causing explosions. If anybody wonders where the twins got their sense of mischief, they don't have to look any further than me. Well, Ratch has an ornery streak a mile wide, as the humans say."

"You genuinely enjoy causing chaos?" Loki asked.

"Some of my happiest moments not involving my family happen to be about explosions," Wheeljack said. "The bigger the better. I mean, I don't like hurting anyone, but the chance to have permission to cause bigger explosions and access to the materials to make them was a dream come true. Also, it's why 'Myth Busters' is banned on base. It supposedly gives a mech the wrong kind of ideas."

He stopped talking a moment, checking over the data on the control panel screen.

"I'm done here," Wheeljack said. "I just want you to know one thing—Ratchet thinks you're worth saving. Don't prove him wrong."

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Loki pondered the fact he'd been left alone most of the day, barring the engineer's appearance and the arrival of a soldier who was not Graham to give him two of his meals. It was almost time for dinner when he heard the metallic sounds of more than one set of mechanical footprints. Sideswipe and Sunstreaker appeared in front of his cell, but both were wearing shackles on their wrists, and were accompanied by a larger bot he'd never seen. It was predominantly black, but covered in splotches of eye-withering pink paint and glitter.

"We'll be your neighbors overnight," Sideswipe said, optics bright with happiness.

"Why?" Loki asked.

Sunstreaker nodded toward Ironhide, who yanked him out of view, but Loki could still hear them.

"You do realize you're never watching that pony show again, don't you?" Ironhide asked as he shoved them toward the cell beside Loki's. Probably a mistake, but he didn't care. What trouble could the organic cause that they couldn't contain?

"If you ban Pinkie Pie, Prowlie will flip," Sideswipe said.

"I think you need your processor examined," Ironhide said.

"Whatever," Sideswipe responded. "Won't you be glad when Chromia and Arcee get here? We can't wait to see First Aid. And Bluestreak. He's gonna love that we have the god of mischief here."

"Don't change the subject," Ironhide said. "You're in enough trouble as it is, and planning future mischief is a bad idea, don't you think?"

The look passing between the twins showed they did not think it was a bad idea, and suggested he was the one who needed a processor examination.

"Play any mischief on my daughter when she gets here, and you'll both regret it," Ironhide said.

"We know better," Sunstreaker said. "We're not that stupid, and we don't have a death wish."

"If I didn't know better, I'd say you do, considering how the two of you've been running your mouths," Ironhide said. "And pulling pranks."

"Somebody has to do it," Sideswipe said. "It's a thankless job."

Ironhide counted back from 10 before he freed them of their binders and turned on the force field. Perhaps leaving the base's resident mischief makers next to the god of mischief of myth was a bad idea.

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Ratchet was working late, so Wheeljack let himself into the med bay, finding the medic sitting at his desk, working on a report. Wheeljack threw his arms around his mate, nibbling at the medic's neck by way of greeting.

"I hope you're willing to follow through with what you're suggesting," Ratchet said.

"Of course," Wheelack said, pulling the data pad from the medic's hands, and moving around to take a seat on the corner of his desk. "But first, there's something we need to discuss."

"I know this is the fourth night this week I've been late and I'm sorry," Ratchet said. "Reports aren't going to write themselves. . ."

"That's not it," Wheeljack said. "I talked with Loki."

"And?"

"He's clever and curious," Wheeljack said. "But he's also broken and vulnerable. He reminds me of what Sunny was like after we got him back from Kaon."

"I know," Ratchet said. "I wasn't going to mention it."

"I know it's part of why you've taken such an interest," Wheeljack said.

"Not only that, but Loki is alone," Ratchet said.

"Ratch, don't make this personal," Wheeljack said.

"Jack, it already is. If I don't act as his advocate, who will? Loki has been hurt and used, and his family hasn't made any attempt at getting him back. If it was you, or the twins, or First Aid, I'd do anything to get you back," Ratchet said. And he had. He'd do it again, no matter the cost.

"Maybe they don't want him back," Wheeljack said so softly Ratchet almost didn't hear him.

"I hope you're wrong," Ratchet said.

"So do I," Wheeljack said.

"Speaking of things considered 'wrong,' I received a visit from Red Alert this evening," Ratchet said. "With another warning about time in the brig for both of us because you talked to Loki."

"I didn't tell him much," Wheeljack said.

"Jack, what you told Loki falls into the category of things we're not supposed to tell the prisoner," Ratchet said. "That's what Red told me."

"Guess I missed that memo, along with the twins," he muttered.

"I heard that," Ratchet said. "

"I know," Wheeljack replied. "Loki did seem amused by the fact you carried First Aid."

"I guess I should be happy I've managed to provide entertainment for someone," Ratchet said.

"Uh, Ratch, did you know the twins are spending the night in the brig? Next to Loki?" Wheeljack said.

"Sideswipe commed me," Ratchet said. "He's very happy about it."

"Yeah, it's a chance to get to know your latest foundling," Wheeljack said.

When the medic didn't deny it, Wheeljack sighed. What in the Pit was in store for them all?

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Loki counted out eight more days of not seeing Graham, the twins or the other pair, Hot Rod and Springer. The twins' absence was easily explained. No doubt their superiors did not want them revealing to him any information he could use against them. Yes, what about their history or culture could he use in that fashion, what little he knew? Not to mention the tiny little detail any of them could reduce him to nothing without even trying.

He admitted to himself he was slightly phobic about their size. His nightmares about Thanos and the Hulk were the reason why. But the Autobots he met so far did not intimidate with their size, but their presence. Loki had mentioned that to the healer, Dr. Blaney, Ratchet's human equivalent, who came to check on him at least twice a week. He'd diagnosed him with something called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. They'd talked a little, but Loki shared more with Ratchet, who discussed his findings with the human, who was trying to help him. Except the doctor wasn't sure how to treat what was wrong with him, as he didn't if any of their medicines would work, and he was not going to use Loki as a test subject, so he said he would do what he could.

Sighing, Loki shut the book he was reading. Mid-morning and he was bored. Tired of reading, staring at the walls, and yes, he had tried testing the force field the evening before, getting thrown into the wall so hard he blacked out. Before that, he conjured ice blades, and they all disintegrated on contact. He also tried projecting doubles of himself inside and outside the cell, but he couldn't. Something about their technology interfered with his seidr.

Before Loki could consider the matter further, he saw Graham standing in front of the force field.

"Good morning, Loki," the soldier said. Loki stood, coming over, gasping when he saw the other man's face.

Graham's jaw was bruised, he had scrapes on his cheek and forehead and his left arm was in a sling and cast. In his good arm he carried a set of clothing and boots. And the cuffs were on top of the bundle.

"What happened to you?" Loki asked.

"Classified," Graham said. "I'm out at least six weeks, no combat missions. But consider this your luck day. I'm going to turn off the force field, and I'm going to give you this clothing. Get changed, then you're coming with me."

Loki waited as the man deactivated the force field, and he handed over the clothing. Changing quickly, Loki walked back out to the human, who put the cuffs on him, escorting him outside.

"Where are we going?" Loki asked.

"Col. Lennox should remember he is never going to win an argument with the medical staff," Graham said. "Either of them."

"What do you mean?"

"Ratchet and Dr. Blaney both agreed you need to get outside," Graham said. "With the restraints, of course. Follow me."

Loki followed the human to one of the other buildings, this one bigger, where some of the other soldiers were playing a game involving a ball being thrown into a hoop. Graham sat down at a nearby table, and Loki followed suit.

"Basketball," Graham said. "What kind of sports to you have back home?"

"Mostly training with weapons," Loki said.

"That sounds. . .fun," Graham said.

"You have no idea," Loki said, stopping when he heard the sound of one of the human flying machines passing overhead. Two passed over, turning around, landing one by one. The two men watched as soldiers disembarked and then vehicles. The first was a black truck, followed by a smaller green one. Then the black truck changed, panels and parts sliding until the thing was standing on two legs, mechanical but humanoid in shape. Loki recognized it as Ironhide, and the green truck also shifted into Springer.

A red car from the other plane morphed into Hot Rod and a yellow one turned into a bot he'd never seen. They watched as Prime walked over, talking to the group before heading their way with Ironhide.

Graham grinned. "It never gets old," he said.

"Can they all do that?" Loki asked.

"Yes."

"How?" Loki asked.

Graham shrugged. "I don't know," he said. "They've tried explaining it, but I just learned to accept it and move on. I'm not a scientist, I'm a soldier."

"In some cases, a diplomat, I imagine," Loki said.

"Yes," Graham said. "You have to talk fast to diffuse some of the situations they cause. You have no idea."

"Sideswipe and Sunstreaker," Loki said.

"Correct," Graham said. "Sometimes I think they cause mischief because they're bored, or for morale, but it's never really vicious."

He looked up as Ironhide and Optimus joined them, noting how Loki stepped back as Optimus bent down on one knee to talk.

"Enjoying your time outside, Loki?" Prime asked.

"Yes," Loki replied. "Thank you."

"Thank Ratchet, not me," Prime said. "It's a privilege Col. Lennox doesn't think you deserve. I was reluctant to allow it myself, but considering what you've been through, I'm willing to grant you this much to benefit your well-being. Don't make me regret it."

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After that, the outings became a daily occurrence, and Loki was given more than one set of actual clothing. He considered it quite a step up from what he'd been wearing, what the humans called "scrubs." And another night of incarceration for the twins. This time Loki did not know their infraction, nor did he ask. Also, he had a new guard, this time a bot named Bumblebee who couldn't talk, not like the others. Except he did glance over his shoulder every time he heard him pounding on the wall, conveying messages to Sideswipe.

He kept kept tapping out messages in Morse code, and Loki answered back when the questions weren't too stupid. Not a bad way to pass the night, not when there was the possibilities of nightmares. Not every night. Fortunately Sideswipe was starting another question, a suitable distraction, when everything went black.

Loki sat up on his bunk, when he heard a whining noise and saw the flash of Bumblebee's optics as he turned, facing him. Loki's eyes widened when he realized the sound he'd just heard was from Bumblebee's hands turning into weapons. He also heard the twins moving about next door, and then they were in his cell. Optics flashed in the darkness, and he knew they were having a rapid-fire conversation only they could hear.

"We have to go. Now," Sunstreaker said. "Weapons vault."

"Stay here," Sideswipe said, and Loki knew he was being told to stay where he was. The three Autbots left him alone. Except now, he was not alone inside his head. Loki could hear the scepter whispering inside his head.

Closing his eyes, he willed himself to go to it, and he appeared outside what the humans called a bunker. The bots were fighting nearby as he was confronted with several armed humans who were not friendly.

One fired his weapon at him, and with a flick of his hand, the bullets flew back at his assailant. Loki was already turning away to confront two more humans before the first's body hit the ground.

These two he took down with ice blades and the third, he smashed in the face with an elbow, figuring Lennox would like someone to question.

"You'll not. . .take me. . .alive," the man managed despite his broken nose and cheek.

Loki watched as the man went to bite down on something, but Loki grabbed him by the jaw with one hand, reaching into his mouth with his other hand, feeling the capsule in the human's molar. Which he promptly ripped out and smashed under his bare foot.

"Poison," Loki spat, ignoring the sound of footsteps coming toward him and guns turned on him. "Coward."

"Hands up," Lennox said.

Rolling his eyes, Loki complied as the humans cuffed him, dragging him toward a waiting vehicle