Disclaimer: All Transformers characters belong to Hasbro. Any made up characters were created by me.

Summery: Transformers Prime Universe. Set in season one, following the episode cannon loosely. Arcee discovers a secret about her past and has to learn to live with it. Can she move forward to a peaceful future?

"blah" – Normal human speak
"blah" – Cybertronian speak
blah – thinking
'blah' – Comm. Speaking
'Blah' – text message
-blah- - Bonded talk

Shadows of the Past

By Yami-Yugi3

Chapter 2

The next day at the Autobot base, Arcee slowly sat up on the berth. "Feeling better?" Ratchet asked as he came over to do a check up scan.

"...Physically..."

Ratchet nodded. "Finding out that your real father is a 'Con can do that." he said.

"I need to go for a walk..."

"Just be careful."

"...Yeah..." she said as she slowly stood and headed down the hall. Jazz came out of the room he and Prowl were staying.

"Arcee? Where ya going sweet spark?" he asked.

"I need to clear my head..."

"I understand." She sighed and walked past them.

"Jazz, where is Arcee going?" Prowl asked from behind.

"She needs to go take a walk by herself." Prowl looked worried. Jazz turned to look at him and put a hand on his shoulder. "She has a lot on her processor, alright?"

Prowl sighed. "It's all my fault. I should have told her from the start..."

"Nah... It's probably not that."

"..."

Jazz put an arm around him. "She'll be fine, baby."

"I hope you're right..." Jazz only smiled as he led him away.

"She just needs time," Ratchet said. Prowl sighed again. Bumblebee and Rafael came in.

"What's going on?" Rafael asked.

"Arcee went for a little walk to clear her processor," smiled Jazz. "C'mon, Prowl. Let's go."

"...Okay..." Bumblebee beeped and shrugged his shoulders before explaining that it was family matters anyway. Prowl and Jazz walked down the hall out of sight.

"What can I do for you?" Ratchet asked the two remaining people in the room.

"It's sort of my fault..." Rafael blushed, looking at his feet. "We were racing down the halls and Bumblebee skidded against a wall."

Ratchet sighed. "Okay Bumblebee let's take a look."

He sat down and showed him his dented arm. "Should be easy to fix. Just be more careful and keep the racing outdoors."

"We will." Bumblebee chirped his agreement and apologies.

"Don't worry about it," Ratchet said as he patched up Bumblebee's arm.

"You're not mad?"

"I don't think even Optimus would be. It was just a friendly race, but the hallways were not an ideal place. As I said, keep the racing outside from now on. Alright, Bumblebee." He bleeped a thank you and stood up. He took Rafael into his arms and set him on his shoulder. He chirped at him.

"Yeah! That would be a GREAT place to go race, but we need to ask permission to leave first," he said looking at the medic.

He sighed. "Alright. Go ask Optimus and then I'll bridge you where you need to go."

"Thanks," Rafael smiled. Bumblebee took Rafael down the hall happily. Ratchet sighed and found something to keep him busy.

Arcee walked down the halls until she found a quiet spot in the base. She slid down the wall until she was huddled over on the floor. She sighed heavily. "...Arcee...I'M you're real father..." It was a lot to take in. All of her life she thought Jazz was her father but it turns out a 'Con was. Everything was so different now. She was unsure what would happen now.

"...All those years fighting them...and all along...I was one of them..." She didn't know what to do now. "...Do I really belong here?"

"Of course you do, Arcee," said a familiar voice. Arcee looked to were the voice came from.

"I may not know what's going on, but you do belong here," the figure said with a smile as he looked up at her.

"...Jack..." Arcee said with a small smile back. The young human boy smiled back at her.

"...Jack... I want to tell you something... Promise me...you won't be upset..."

"I promise."

"...I'm telling you this...because you're my friend, not just my new partner... Jack...my father, my REAL father, is the Decepticon Barricade..."

"Are you sure? I thought Jazz was."

"I did too. My spark carrier Prowl...he was captured and interrogated... Barricade sparked me with him..."

"Oh I see... But I heard a father doesn't have to be the one that helped create you."

"...But... I'm still part 'Con..."

"No you're not," he said as he put a hand on her ankle. "You were raised and cared for by two Autobots. Just because Barricade helped spark you, doesn't make you a Decepticon." Arcee looked down at him. He smiled. "Believe me, Arcee." Arcee couldn't help but smile again at him. "Feel better?"

"Yeah. Thanks Jack."

"Wanna go for a ride?"

"That might be nice."

"Oh yeah...I forgot... You're probably not recovered enough."

"...Yeah... We could still...go for a walk?"

"Okay, sure." Arcee smiled and slowly stood. She knelt down and offered Jack a hand. Jack smiled as he climbs up into it. She happily set him on her shoulder before walking down the hall. Prowl and Jazz were in the main room talking with Optimus.

"Hey, Arcee, where're ya going?" Jazz smiled.

"Jack and I are going for a walk." Arcee said with a smile.

"Alright. Be careful and don't go too far."

"We will."

"Arcee?" Optimus asked, turning to her.

"Yes Optimus?"

"You will always be one of us."

"Thanks." He smiled a small smile as she walked away with Jack. Prowl watched this from the corner of his optics. The three went back to their conversation.

"Prowl was quiet." Jack said.

"He might still be upset that I was upset. Or maybe he's just being that ever watching, over protective parent."

"I know how that is," smiled Jack. Arcee couldn't help but smile back at him.

Barricade felt like going for a drive to get used to the area. He was driving through the town, observing the humans and the non-sentient cars. He didn't notice a new arrival scanning an earth vehicle, transforming and then driving off. He sensed the spark signature just as the arrival vanished out of sight. He decided to investigate. He turned around and headed back to the residential street where he last noticed the signal. It was a quaint little house, matching all the other houses throughout Jasper. The spark signature got closer as he neared a main road that headed towards the highway. His curiosity piqued, he followed it. The new arrival happily drove down the main road, spotting an exit ramp ahead. They were about to merge on, when they noticed Barricade following them. Slag! It's a stupid 'Con! They sped up and quickly merged onto the freeway, trying to get away. I've got to get away! If they follow me while I'm trying to contact and find base...they'll learn its location!

Barricade didn't want to lose the new arrival. I've got to lose him! the new arrival sighed heavily. They sped up and quickly exited back into the residential areas of Jasper.

You won't get away from me, Autobot. You'll never reach Prime and the others. The new Autobot turned back behind the same house it scanned the car from. Barricade, being a bit behind, didn't see the Autobot quickly turn and hide the next street over. Barricade smirked as he approached the red, '96 Pontiac Grand Am. I've got you now, Autobot. He fired, destroying the car. Goodbye and good riddance! he laughed as he drove away. The noise alerted a human girl as she rushed out of her house into the front driveway. The new Autobot had just pulled up as the young, college aged girl came out.

"Oh thank goodness! I thought that explosion had destroyed you!" she spoke as she came to inspect "her car". The new Autobot stayed as still as possible. She looked all over. "Everything's intact. Wait...is that a decal...? I didn't put this symbol here," she said as she approached her rear window. She felt the red, face-like insignia, trying to find an edge to it. "It's like...it's part of...the window..." The young woman sighed, giving up her efforts. "I guess I need to use my ice scraper."

"No! Please don't d-..." the new arrival started, but stopped themselves. I almost gave myself away!

"What in the world?!" the young woman looked around. "I must be hearing things."

"There you are, Autobot! I thought I terminated you!" Barricade exclaimed as he pulled up, having traced her signal after her accidental outburst. "Prepare to die!"

"WHAT?" the young woman exclaimed, frozen in fear at the scary looking cop car. "I haven't done anything!"

"But you're in the way! I guess I'll just have to shoot you both."

"MOM!" The Pontiac Autobot threw open her driver's side door.

"GET IN! NOW!" The young woman only screamed in fear as she jumped into what she thought was her car. The Autobot sped off, putting as much distance between her and Barricade as possible. The young woman still had no idea what was going on. "What in the world ARE you?!" she exclaimed, seat belt tightening around her.

"Not what, dear, WHO. I can't explain right now! Just sit tight." The new Autobot sped around the streets, trying to avoid getting shot. Barricade followed, not wanting the Autobot to get away.

"...I'm safe from that renegade cop though right? We are SOOO speeding right now."

"Just be quiet and hang on!"

"Alright! Alright!"

"Time to say goodbye!"

"Aahh!" the red Autobot growled, avoiding the worst of the shot. "Stupid Decepticon! 'Optimus Prime! Do you read me? Optimus Prime this is Autobot Scout Gadget! I need back up! I have a human hostage situation! I repeat, this is Autobot Scout Gadget! I'm being gunned down by a Decepticon with a human on- Aaaahh!'

Back at base, Ratchet was busy in the main room checking on various things when Gadget's distress came through. "Gadget?"

'Ratchet? By Cybertron's moons... Is that really you, Ratchet?'

'I don't think you're in a situation to doubt. I'm locking on to your coordinates for a ground bridge.'

'No! The Decepticon canNOT learn the location of your-ack! The location of your base MUST remain a secret. Besides, I have a HUMAN on board. She is-whoa! She needs to be sent back home.'

"But...I... I don't even know who you ARE yet. You're not my car, but yet you ARE."

"No. The world does not know about us, we don't exist. It must remain that way."

'It's too late for that. Besides, she might make some friends here. I'm opening the ground bridge now.' With that, he closed off the communication. A swirling, purple and green vortex appeared. Gadget was unsure at first before sighing. She sped through the bridge, leaving Barricade in the dust. He growled as the bridge closed before he could enter. Gadget drove into the underground base as the bridge disappeared. She practically threw the young woman out before transforming.

"Ratchet, bridge her back to Main Street, Jasper Nevada."

"What? Why? Can't I at least get some questions answered? You thrust me right into a bad drag race with a rogue cop and expect me to just walk away?"

"I told you, we don't exist! You should have never gotten involved in the first place. I'm sorry that Decepticon destroyed your car and tried to kill you. Forget it ever happened. It was just a nightmare. Ratchet? Ground bridge?"

"A rogue cop?" Prowl asked as he walked into the room before seeing Gadget. "Was it Barricade, Gadget?"

"Barricade... Yes! It was him!"

"Barricade...Decepticons... Will somebody give me some answers! I'm not leaving here or forgetting ANYTHING until I get some!"

"Calm down young one." Prowl said "I'm sure Prime will explain."

"Prime...? Who or what is that?"

"He's our leader."

"Leader of what?" At that moment Optimus came in with Jazz right behind him.

"Wow cool ya brought a new human Gadget?" Jazz said with a smile.

"No, I did not. I was just about to send her back home. Wait... NEW human?"

Ratchet smiled. "She's not the first to make our acquaintance, Gadget. There are three high school aged humans that have become good friends of ours. They all had similar experiences. So, NO, I'm not opening the ground bridge to send her home. I wouldn't even do so for your father," he added with a knowing smile just for her. The young woman stared wide eyed up at Optimus.

"Looks like ya have a fan, OP." Jazz said with a smile.

The young woman blinked. "Y-You're...you're the leader...aren't you...?"

Optimus knelt down a little. "I am Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots. The Autobots are the righteous beings of our planet. We come from Cybertron, a planet far from yours. We're here because of the Decepticons. They are fellow Cybertronians who have chosen the side of evil. I am here to stop their leader, Megatron. We have been here for more than three years, fighting to protect your planet from Megatron and his Decepticons as well as fight to rebuild our war torn planet."

"So... You're Optimus Prime. I'm Melissa Jackson, college student and resident of Jasper, Nevada. And the car who brought me here, her name is Gadget?"

"Yes," Ratchet said. "She has been gone for a long while. I'm relieved that you managed to find us here without too much trouble."

"Well, I suppose one Decepticon isn't much. That Barricade is strong though. Have you heard from my father yet?"

"He was here a few earth months ago, catching up with Bulkhead."

"Uhh hmm?" Melissa said, clearing her throat loudly. "I still have questions."

"Ratchet is my Chief Medic, Prowl is my Second in Command. Jazz is his mate and my Third. Everyone else is not present."

"So...the turning into cars thing? That's so you can hide, right?"

"My, you're a smart one," Ratchet said.

"Well yeah. I'm working on a college degree. Besides, the rest is observation. So, do you just hide from Decepticons? Or people too?"

"People," Optimus said. "There are those that would view us as science experiments. Some are safer not knowing we exist. We work with your government to protect your planet, it is our home now. We must remain in secret to further that protection and keep ourselves protected from harm as well."

"...Oh... Alright..." She paused for a moment. "This is so cool!"

"It's like Miko all over again..." sighed Ratchet.

"Not quite," admitted Prowl. "She did not seem at all thrilled about being forced along with Gadget."

"Good point," Ratchet replied.

Gadget sighed heavily. She knelt down to Melissa. "Well Miss Jackson, it seems that you and I are going to have to become friends. I'm Gadget."

"Melissa. You can just call me Melissa. It doesn't have to be Miss Jackson all the time okay?"

"Alright."

"Gadget, I'd like to check and make sure you're alright."

"Okay, Ratchet. It will give us a chance to properly catch up," she smiled. "Jazz? Could you show Miss Jackson...I mean Melissa around base for me?"

"Sure thing." Jazz said with a smile.

"Hi, Jazz," Melissa smiled as she walked over.

"Welcome to the Autobots," Optimus smiled.

"Thanks," she smiled back. "Y-you're the biggest one, right?"

"Yeah, boss bot is the only one you have to worry about. Well...there is Megatron...but you'll most likely NEVER run into him."

"Oh..."

"Gadget?" Ratchet said as he pointed a hand down a hall.

"I'm coming," she smiled, following after him. Optimus dismissed himself, leaving Prowl there. Prowl decided to go see what Arcee and Jack were doing.

Arcee and Jack were enjoying the scenery outside the base. Prowl couldn't help but smile at the two of them. "I still say it'd be nicer if we could go for a ride," sighed Jack.

"I could take you if you want." Prowl said as he walked up.

"Huh?"

"Prowl...?"

Prowl smiled a bit. "I could give you a ride, if you want to Jack."

"No, it's alright. I wanted to take a ride with Arcee. We were just talking. I'm keeping her company to help her feel better."

Prowl smiled again. "That's good."

"What brings you out here?" Arcee asked turning to her carrier.

"I was just checking up on you mostly."

"Oh. I'm alright," she smiled. "I'm not mad at you anymore." Prowl smiled again.

"What's Jazz up to?" Arcee asked.

"He's showing a new human Gadget brought around."

"A new human?" Arcee and Jack asked together. Prowl nodded.

"When did we get a new human?" asked Jack.

"Gadget's here?"

"Apparently Barricade chased her and destroyed the human's car so the girl at first thought Gadget was her car."

"Oh. Looks like a new friend for you guys," smiled Arcee. "Where is Gadget now?"

"Ratchet is giving her a checkup."

"Oh. I think I'm going to go see her. Want to come Jack?"

"Sure." Arcee smiled and went inside with Jack. Prowl smiled again before going inside after.

"Nothing major. You're as strong as I remember."

"Thanks," Gadget smiled. "I learned from the best. You heard from father since he left?" she asked as she stood up from the table.

"He was here for awhile. He wanted to see if there was any other Autobots out there."

"...Oh...so he's out exploring space somewhere..."

"Yeah, that's Wheeljack for you."

"Then I have to find him."

"Find who?" Melissa asked, having finished the tour.

"Sorry, Ratchet, am I interrupting anything?"

"No we were just finishing up."

"Come on, Miss Jackson, I'm taking you home now."

"What? But why...? I just finished the tour and everything. I haven't even met any of the other humans or all of the Autobots. Why do I have to go?"

"Because. I'm going on a mission to find my father. I need YOU out of the way."

"I'm 24! You're not my boss. We just met."

"This is still dangerous."

"No it's not."

"Not yet, Melissa," Gadget said as she knelt down. "I can't leave you unprotected while I'm gone."

"She could stay here with us, Red," smiled Jazz.

"I don't know..."

"She will be safe here. She'll have Jack, Miko, and Rafael to keep her company."

"Ratchet, you're not helping..." sighed Gadget.

"Please? I'd like to stay here and get to know everyone. It's so boring at home. My mother won't mind."

"Let her stay Gadget." Jazz said with a smile.

"Well..."

"I can take care of myself for the most part. Besides, Optimus Prime is here if things get bad."

"That is true... Alright. You can stay here. You know when you need to be home. I'll leaving it up to you to find a way back."

"You're not going to be back?"

"It might take me awhile. Wheeljack tends to do his own things sometimes. I might be gone for more than a day."

"But...I haven't really gotten to know you yet..."

"I know, but I'm worried about my father. This will give me a chance to observe the things of this planet for myself. I'm sure you'll find something to do."

"Goodbye, Gadget. Have a safe trip."

"We'll spend some more quality time together later, Miss Jackson."

"C'mon, I'll take you to the ground bridge."

"Thanks Ratchet."

"Can...Can I come with? I just want to watch. I promise not to be a bother."

She's so much more restrained than Miko Ratchet smiled to himself. "That's not up to me."

"Gadget?"

"Alright."

"C'mon, Melissa. You'll have a better view up here," Jazz smiled as he reached out a hand.

"Alright," she shrugged, letting him put her up on his shoulder. Jazz followed the two of them to the main room. Bulkhead, Miko, Rafael, Bumblebee, Jack and Arcee where all there as well.

"Hey Arcee, seen Prowl?"

"Yeah. He came out to check on me, but we lost him down a hallway."

"Oh, probably off doin his own thing as usual. Looks like the gang's all here, Melissa," Jazz smiled.

"Hi. I'm Melissa Jackson. I guess you could say I'm new here. You three didn't tell me they were still in high school."

"I'm sure you can still find some common ground. Maybe even help watch them," he added under his breath.

"So you're the new human Prowl was talking about," Jack said. "Name's Jack Darby."

"Awesome! Another girl to rock it with!" smiled Miko.

"And you are?" Melissa asked, unsure.

"Name's Miko. I'm from Tokyo. Bulk here's my best friend. Well...non human friend..."

"Tokyo? As in Japan? Cool! I'll have to visit sometime."

"She actually goes to high school with us. She has a host family she lives with here in Jasper."

"Oh. You're in high school?"

"Yeah. My name's Rafael, but you can call me Raf. I'm only twelve, but I'm very smart. I know a LOT about computers and math so..."

"Oh, I see. Jazz, think you could let me down?"

"Sure thing." Jazz said.

Melissa smiled as he set her on the floor. "So...you must be Bulkhead. I don't know you two though," she said as she looked at the yellow and blue Autobots standing behind their respective humans.

"I'm Arcee, and this is Bumblebee."

"Hello," Melissa smiled. "So... You're all in high school. Is it okay if I ask your ages?"

"I'm sixteen and Arcee saved me from having to work towards a motorcycle," Jack smiled.

"Sophomore, fifteen, but I'm tougher than I look."

"Well, I win then. I'm twenty-four, senior in college. But don't worry. I'm not going to be your baby sitter or anything. I'm looking forward to being friends. We all have an alien race in common," Melissa smiled. "It's great to meet you all."

Bumblebee chirped a reply and extended a hand.

"What's wrong with your voice?" she asked innocently.

"He's been that way for awhile," Ratchet chimed in. "It's an old battle injury."

"...Oh... I'm so sorry. It's nice to meet you," she smiled, taking his hand. "I guess you take care of Raf huh?" Bumblebee nodded chirping happily.

Melissa smiled back. "Well, I can see you're busy now. I'll be back as soon as I find Wheeljack," Gadget said walking towards the wall. "I'm ready."

"Alright," Ratchet said going over to the controls. "Activating the bridge."

"You're leaving already?" Miko whined.

"I have to find my father. I'll make proper introductions when I get back."

"Hey, could you tell him I said 'hello?'"

"Of course I can, Bulkhead," Gadget smiled before transforming. Melissa and the others watched sadly as she drove through into the unknown terrain of Earth. Jazz started to get worried about his mate and decided to go look for him.

"I'll catch you all later. Need to check on my mate."

"Okay Jazz." Bulkhead said. Jazz waved to the group before heading deeper into the base. Melissa stared at the wall where the ground bridge had been. Everything went through her mind at that moment. She felt awkward and uninvited, while being excited at the same time.

"...So...you like rock and roll?" Miko smiled going over to her.

"...Yeah...sure..."

"You want to try racing with me and Bee...?"

"..."

"Guys...she's probably got a lot on her mind right now. She's just like us, being thrown into all this...

"I know it seems crazy right now, but things will get better with time. We're all a family here, okay?" Arcee said, walking over and kneeling down to her.

"...I...I know... It's just a lot to take in."

"If you want to be left alone, we understand," Bulkhead said.

Bumblebee beeped much of the same.

"...Thanks guys... I just need some time to process through this. I've gone from being a normal college art student to knowing several alien beings and humans."

"Well, I'm going to my quarters. If anyone needs anything, you know where to find me."

"Ratchet? Can...Can I come with you?"

"It couldn't hurt. I'm sure you have a lot of questions." She ran up to him and followed him to his quarters.

"Aww man... I was hoping for some jam time..."

"I'll jam with you, Miko," smiled Bulkhead.

"She seemed excited for awhile there," Jack said.

"Well, she's an adult. She's used to being more serious. It's a lot to take in. As I remember, you almost quit our little group," Arcee replied.

"I guess you're right."

"She'll come around, just like you did."

Inside Ratchet's quarters, he was organizing collections of data and other things he kept there. Melissa Jackson just sat on his big couch. She spied the picture of Gadget and Wheeljack when they were younger on one of his shelves.

"So that's Wheeljack?" she asked.

"Yes. I met him in my younger days, back on Cybertron."

"And Gadget? She's a little kid in that picture, isn't she?"

"Yes. That was a few years before Wheeljack went off to join the Wreckers. He was known for being a skilled engineer. Now he's very good with swords and defeating Decepticons."

"Oh. So he went from being an inventor to being a Samurai?"

"You could say that."

"So...Gadget's been away from her father for a long time then."

"That's why she was so set on leaving to find him."

"...Yeah... So... You've all been together for awhile?"

"A long time, yes. Our base has been here for three years."

"Wow."

"What else would you like to know?"

"Mmmm... What about Optimus and the others?"

"I suppose I should start from the beginning," he said as he came over and sat next to her.

"That could help."

Ratchet smiled a little. "Well...it all started thousands of years ago on Cybertron..." Melissa listened intently.

"Back then Optimus wasn't called Optimus. He was a mech called Orion Pax."

"Oh... Like the constellation," she smiled.

"What? Oh... The stars... He was a data clerk in Iacon's Hall of Records."

While Melissa was getting a history lesson, Gadget was driving down a country road in the Midwest. Wheeljack...where are you...? she thought to herself as she drove past cornfields. She decided to try reaching him through the comm. line. "Wheeljack? This is Gadget. Wheeljack do you read me?" She hoped he would answer. "Father...it's me..." She sighed as she got no answer. She kept driving. As she drove further down the road into a town, she got a broken message.

"...Gad...that...you..."

"Father?! Wheeljack?!"

"...Gad...where..."

"WHEELJACK!"

"...Space...Gad...contact..."

"Scrap! I need to go back to base and get Ratchet's help." She then headed back towards the base.

"Ratchet... I need a ground bridge back."

"Gadget, this is Arcee. Ratchet went to his room. Is something the matter?"

"I couldn't find Wheeljack. I've been searching all day. I had a broken communications conversation with him. I know he's in space, but I can't locate him. I need a ground bridge. Do you know how to bridge me back?"

"Yeah, I did this before once or twice."

"Great. I'll be waiting." After a bit the ground bridge opens up. Gadget drove through.

Arcee was on the other side. "We should have said he left the planet."

"...Yeah..." Jack agreed.

Gadget looked around. "So, where's Miss Jackson?"

"She went with Ratchet."

"Oh. I need help locating Wheeljack."

"I'll get him." said Raf.

"I'll come with you."

Bumblebee chirped and beeped as he followed them.

"I'm alright, Bee. I drove all day without ANY run ins with Decepticons. I just hope Wheeljack is alright. I found out he's in space."

"...*computer noises*..."

"Oh, alright. Thanks Bumblebee. I didn't get to say it yet, but I really missed you. I missed all of you," she smiled.

"Are you and Bumblebee good friends?"

"Of course," Gadget smiled. "We met when I was younger. He's been my best friend ever since. He's more like a little brother."

"We're like that too," smiled Rafael. "I...I can understand him."

"Oh! I noticed that earlier now that you mention it. You two must have a strong bond if you can understand him. He lost his voice in battle on Cybertron."

"That's what he told me." Gadget smiled as they neared Ratchet's study. They could hear Ratchet still telling Melissa the history of Cybertron.

"Oh wow!"

Arcee knocked on the door. "Ratchet? It's me. Gadget's back and she needs your help."

"It seems we have guests. I'm coming!" After a bit Ratchet opens his door.

"Sorry, were we interrupting?"

"No, I was just answering Miss Jackson's questions and keeping her company. She wasn't quite ready to interact with the others."

"I got the coolest history lesson," she smiled.

"That's great. Ratchet, I found Wheeljack. Well...sort of... I need your help to pin him down. I contacted him but all I got was a broken reply. I know he's in space, but I'm not sure where."

"We should have told you he was no longer on Earth."

"It's alright, Ratchet," Gadget smiled.

"Okay let's go see what Wheeljack has gotten himself into."

"Gadget! I'm so glad you're back," Melissa smiled as she went and hugged her leg.

"I am too, Melissa," she said as he knelt down and picked her up.

"Ratchet told me lots of things about you and Wheeljack."

"I'm sure he did. All good things?" she smirked looking at Ratchet.

"Of course." Ratchet said. Gadget smiled as they continued towards the main room. They ran into Prowl and Jazz on their way there.

"I see you found Prowl." Ratchet said.

"Yep," smiled Jazz. "Gadget? You're back huh?"

"Yeah. I found Wheeljack but he's out in space."

"We're on our way to try and locate him."

"Neat-o." Jazz said with a smile. The gang all smiled as they reached the main room.

"Ratchet, everyone... What's going on?" Optimus asked.

"Gadget found Wheeljack, OP." Jazz said.

"You have?"

"I got a broken communication when I tried to contact him. I know he's in space, but I need help locating him."

"I didn't know you even left," Optimus said towards Gadget.

"Well...you...you were busy... I thought it would be alright..."

"Ask next time Gadget."

"I'm sorry, sir. I know you don't like us going off on our own."

"I'm just as guilty for activating the ground bridge. I should have gone with her or at least asked first."

"It's alright, just keep me informed before any other excursions." Both femme and CMO nodded.

"Well, I've got everything set up," said Ratchet as he messed with the computer controls. "Where was the last location you hailed him from?"

"Some little town in Illinois."

"Okay." Ratchet said as he pressed some more buttons.

"Hopefully this does not attract Decepticon attention."

"It shouldn't, Optimus."

"I'm sorry I'm so much trouble so quickly."

"Trying to find a fellow Autobot is not the issue. I just don't want anything to happen. You can always ask for our help, Gadget."

"Am...Am I in trouble?" Melissa asked.

"Nah OP's always been like this after he got the Matrix."

"Oh, serious and no nonsense. I understand. He's the parent, the leader. He has to be like that."

"Yep even though Prowler is like that too." Jazz said he smiled at his mate.

"It's alright. I have to be serious sometimes too."

"Okay let's give this a try." Ratchet said. Everyone watched in anticipation. "I've got something!"

"Wheeljack?" asked Prowl.

"Yes. It's very faint, but it's there."

"Where is he?" Gadget asked anxious. Ratchet press some more buttons trying to pinpoint him. Everyone waited in anticipation.

"Okay I think I got it."

"Where? Where?"

"He's just out side of the galaxy."

"No wonder I had such a bad signal," Gadget sighed. "I guess I'll have to wait until he comes closer..."

"Cool we can all hang out." Miko said.

"Yeah, can we, Gadget? I'd like to spend time with you and get to know you. Please?"

"...Well... I suppose so..." Melissa smiled.

Gadget smiled too at the happy faces. "So...we should totally rock this place," smiled Miko. Gadget smiled happy.

"Gadget, I'll keep you posted if I hear anything," Ratchet said.

"Thanks."

"Keep me informed too," Optimus said as he turned to leave.

"I will."

Prowl and Jazz watched Optimus leave the room. "OP's not what he used to be." Jazz said.

"...No... He's more serious..."

"Do you think it had something to do with the Matrix?"

"You were friends with Prime longer then I was Jazz."

He sighed. "...It was probably the war..."

"Probably."

"...Well... He's had his moments..."

"Don't worry about it," Ratchet said. "He always has a lot on his mind, it's to be expected. You're right, Jazz. He does have his moments," the CMO added with a smile.

Jazz smiled back. He nudged Prowl. "Just like you, Prowler."

Prowl smiled back at him. "So...you and Bulk are tight right?" Miko asked as they all sat in the main area.

"We know each other through my father." Gadget said.

"So...is Bulkhead like your uncle?"

"No, Miko..." said mech laughed.

"He's a family friend. He befriended my father when he became a Wrecker."

"Oh I get ya."

"Cool," smiled Melissa.

"So how long have you known the others?" Jack asked.

"A while..."

"Since you were a sparkling then? So you knew Optimus right before he was a leader right?" Gadget nodded.

"Oh. Cool. So...this is it huh?"

"Yes, I suppose this is home now," Gadget smiled.

"So, Miko...I believe I owe you a jam?" Melissa smirked going over to her.

"SAWEET!"

"Mind if I join ya?" Jazz asked.

"Sure thing, more the merrier, right Bulk?"

"Yeah sure." Jazz had a huge smile on his face.

"There! He's headed here."

"That means he heard me and he's coming for a visit," Gadget smiled. "...Though...who knows if he'll stay..."

"Ratchet, let me know when he gets closer to earth."

"I will, Optimus."

"Thanks, Ratchet. This is great!" Ratchet smiled at Gadget.

"I love this song." Miko said happily. The four of them started jamming out. Ratchet couldn't help but shake his head with a smile. Prowl smiled a bit, but his processor was on other things.

"Alright, now we wait," Ratchet said as he came down from the computers.

"Melissa...?" Gadget asked as she came down too.

"...Yeah?" she replied, pulling away from microphone she was singing into.

"You want to show me around? We haven't had any bonding time yet."

"Sure! Can we do it tomorrow? After I finish some homework? I wanted to stay and hang until Miko, Jack, and Raf have to go home."

"That's just fine," Gadget smiled. "Let me know when you want to get home."

"Alright." Melissa went back to the song she was singing. Bumblebee and Raf were dancing.

"Whoa! Hey guys! Turn it down a minute!" Jack called out. Everyone grew quiet. "Sorry, my phone's ringing."

"No wonder," Rafael said. "It's almost ten o' clock."

"Yeah. Time to go guys.

"…Party's over…" Miko sighed.

"Alright, time to go," Arcee smiled transforming. Bulkhead and Bumblebee did the same. Their respective friends climbed in. They said their goodbyes and left down the exit hall.

"Gadget?"

"Yes, Melissa?"

"Should we go?"

"Only if you want to, youngling."

"Well…I guess so. I'm sure you all have important things to do."

"The base is open to you whenever you need it," Optimus smiled.

"C'mon Gadget… Let's get going. I DID say until the other kids left. Maybe I could start early on some studies so we can hang out faster."

"Alright. So, I guess I'll be staying with her?"

"Until you're needed here or for recon," Ratchet said.

"Alright. Well then, let's go Melissa."
"Thanks guys, for everything. I'm looking forward to seeing you guys tomorrow."

"Be safe," Optimus smiled.

"Don't stay up too late guarding the house."

"I won't Ratchet. Let me know if father gets closer."

"We will." Gadget smiled at them before transforming. Melissa climbed in and they left base.